Mats Wilander believes Nick Kyrgios has the capability of causing a ‘big upset’ in the Australian Open, but has raised concerns about the Aussie star’s fitness.
Kyrgios’ first-round match against Jacob Fearnley next week will be his first match in a major tournament in over two years.
The Australian tennis ace was on an upward trajectory in 2022 after reaching the Wimbledon final as well as winning the Australian Open doubles title.
But several injuries curtailed his progress and saw him withdraw from multiple events and undergo surgery.
Nick Kyrgios is making his return next week
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There was some concern whether Kyrgios would look to return to the ATP Tour, but he made his comeback at the Brisbane International where he lost to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in three sets.
While Kyrgios didn’t drop his serve in the entire match, he required attention to his troublesome wrist on a number of occasions.
And Wilander fears that could ultimately prevent Kyrgios from being a serious threat at this year’s Australian Open.
“Nick looks like he’s in good shape,” Wilander told Eurosport.
“Obviously, he was struggling a little bit with his right wrist. That’s a big problem and that’s what happens when you haven’t played that many matches and you’re trying to get ready for a big tournament like the Australian Open.
“A good tournament would be winning a couple of matches, maybe taking out one of the big seeds.
“He can definitely create some shock results, some big upsets in the first three, four rounds. Could he get to the quarter-finals?
“That would be a massive, massive achievement, and he would have gone past any kind of expectations.
Nick Kyrgios hasn’t played a Grand Slam match since 2022
PA
“No one wants to play Nick Kyrgios.”
Kyrgios will be expected to be well received from the home crowd and Wilander believes that could further help the Aussie star’s chances.
He added: “The one thing we know about Nick is that he’s going to choose what court he wants to play on and he’s going to play on the second-biggest court at the Australian Open.
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Nick Kyrgios faces British ace Jacob Fearnley in the first round
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“It’s where they let the ground pass holders come in, and the atmosphere is completely different from playing at the Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s kind of like if you put a tennis court in the middle of Henman Hill at Wimbledon.
“It’s wild, it’s loud, and a lot of players are not used to that. He loves that atmosphere.”