Nick Kyrgios has told Brisbane International officials it will be a “wait and see” approach as they remain hopeful the Australian will return from injury at the event he dominated five years ago.
Kyrgios has played just one match this year, wrist and back injuries cruelly stalling a 2022 resurgence that included a Wimbledon final and US Open quarter-final.
The 28-year-old is recovering from wrist surgery and has remained in touch with Brisbane tournament director Cam Pearson, who is confident his December 31-January 7 event is Kyrgios’s preferred comeback route.
“There’s been a lot of conversations to see whether or not he’ll be ready in time for January,” Pearson said of the 2018 Brisbane International champion.
“That’s still a wait and see approach. That’s what Nick said.
“We’ve got another month before entries close. Nick’s got time to continue his rehab and it’d be great to see him out on the court for sure.”
The tournament was a staple on the Australian tennis calendar between 2009-19 before being contested as a women’s only title in 2002 and then disbanded in favour of team events.
But it has been reinstated to its former glory for 2023-24 with Naomi Osaka, Holger Rune and Andy Murray already confirmed starters.
The United Cup teams event will still be contested in Sydney and Perth, with Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alex de Minaur and Iga Swiatek’s participation there ruling them out of a Brisbane cameo.
Spain’s 20-year-old star Carlos Alcaraz has not committed to national duties, leaving the door ajar for his high-profile Brisbane inclusion.
“Nick needs to do what’s best for Nick,” Pearson said.
“He’s a former champion, really enjoys playing on Pat Rafter Arena.
“I’d be really hopeful that if we see him playing in January we’ll see him here in Brisbane.”
