Kyrgios Returns to Australian Open Against Rising Star Fearnley

MELBOURNE, Australia — Nick Kyrgios, the polarizing Australian tennis star, makes his long-awaited return to competitive tennis Monday, facing Britain’s Jacob Fearnley in a high-stakes first-round match at the Australian Open. The showdown, set for John Cain Arena, marks Kyrgios’ first singles match since October 2022, following a series of injuries that sidelined him from the sport.

Kyrgios, 29, a 2022 Wimbledon finalist, has battled knee issues and underwent wrist surgery, raising questions about his ability to perform at his peak. Despite his absence, the Melbourne crowd is expected to rally behind their home favorite, creating a raucous atmosphere for the match. “I’m a huge fan of his,” Fearnley said of Kyrgios. “He increases viewership. He puts people in seats.”

Fearnley, ranked No. 86 in the world, enters the match with momentum after a breakout 2024 season. The 23-year-old Scot won four ATP Challenger titles and pushed Novak Djokovic to four sets at Wimbledon last year. “I’ve been to some pretty hostile environments,” Fearnley said. “I’ll try to ignore [the crowd] as best as I can.”

Kyrgios’ recent form remains uncertain. He withdrew from an exhibition match last week due to an abdominal issue and struggled with conditioning in a tight three-set loss in Brisbane earlier this month. Fearnley, known for his counter-punching style, plans to test Kyrgios’ fitness by extending rallies and redirecting his opponent’s pace.

The match is scheduled for 7 p.m. local time (8 a.m. GMT) on John Cain Arena, a venue notorious for its boisterous crowds. Kyrgios, a fan favorite in Melbourne, will rely on his powerful serve and aggressive playstyle, but Fearnley’s recent success and resilience on big stages make him a formidable opponent.

Elsewhere in the draw, British No. 1 Jack Draper begins his campaign against Argentina’s Mariano Navone, while Jodie Burrage returns to Grand Slam action after a six-month injury layoff. Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Andy Murray, now coaching Novak Djokovic, will be in attendance as Djokovic seeks a record-extending 11th Australian Open title.

Kyrgios’ return has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike, but the question remains: Can he overcome his physical challenges and the rising talent of Fearnley to advance in his home Grand Slam?