The weather is heating up, and we have a Nick Kyrgios injury update. The Australian Open must be on the horizon.

Kyrgios is preparing for his latest comeback via a bunch of lucrative but otherwise meaningless exhibition matches across the next seven weeks, including a “battle of the sexes” clash on December 28 against world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka.

Nick Kyrgios hopes to play at the 2026 Australian Open.Credit: Getty Images

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist – who turns 31 in April – feared mid-year that his singles days were behind him as swelling persisted in his surgically repaired knee after training sessions.

But Kyrgios is suddenly buoyant about how his body is bouncing back as he ramps up his activity, and insists that his knee and wrist woes are, for now, not a problem.

You know what that means: Kyrgios is publicly leaving the door ajar to play in next year’s Australian Open, something we have become accustomed to at this time of year.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley, host broadcaster Nine, which owns this masthead, and anyone involved in ticketing for the Melbourne grand slam event would be delighted if that eventuates.

Nick Kyrgios has always been a fan favourite.Credit: AP

For all Kyrgios’ warts and oversized reputation – and the fact he has played only six competitive matches in three years – he remains a significant drawcard who can drag even non-tennis fans through Melbourne Park’s gates. That is priceless to Tiley and co.

He even hopes to return to Brisbane, where he partnered Novak Djokovic in doubles and made an encouraging singles comeback almost 12 months ago against big-serving Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

But sadly, it ended predictably, with Kyrgios revealing an abdominal strain only days out from the 2025 Australian........

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