In a significant turn of events, tennis star Nick Kyrgios is gearing up to stage a comeback to the game next month. However, uncertainty looms over his complete return to the ATP Tour.
Kyrgios, the illustrious 2022 Wimbledon singles finalist, made a notable comeback to the ATP Tour earlier this year. Unfortunately, his aspirations to participate in the Australian Open were gravely threatened by persisting injury concerns. After his defeat to the British prodigy, Jacob Fearnley, in Melbourne, Kyrgios hinted at his inability to play as planned in 2025.
“I was not at my best today, and full credit goes to my opponent,” Kyrgios admitted post his defeat. He showered praise on Fearnley, expressing his admiration for his aggressive, flat-hitting style. Despite his physical impediments affecting his serving, Kyrgios persisted in the match, encouraged by the massive support from fans. Although his performance was hampered by his physical state, he was determined to play his best.
Kyrgios also participated in a tournament in Brisbane in January. But it was evident that he was battling to meet the physical demands of competitive tennis. Since his triumphant 2022 season, Kyrgios has played only a few matches, with severe injuries thwarting his plans.
Now, the Australian stalwart is slated to feature in a charity event preceding next month’s ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells. The Desert Smash, a globally acclaimed celebrity tennis event in its 21st year, will be held at the newly refurbished La Quinta Resort & Club from March 3-4, 2025. The event, famous for uniting showbiz and professional tennis, will once again raise funds for a noble cause.
This year, the proceeds will go to the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund in association with UNICEF, providing crucial prenatal vitamins to women in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative forms part of the Women Change the Game campaign, initiated with the Gates Foundation, aiming to better global maternal and child health.
Over the past two decades, Desert Smash has generated millions for charity, with past participants including celebrities like Charlize Theron, Will Ferrell, and tennis greats like Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic. The 2025 lineup already boasts of prominent tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Ons Jabeur, Barbora Krejcíkova, Alexander Zverev, and Holger Rune, among others.
With Kyrgios making an appearance in California just days before the Indian Wells ATP 1000 tournament, speculation is rife about his potential request for a wildcard entry into one of the most esteemed events in men’s tennis. His current ranking of 1097 underlines the significant dip in his performance over recent years. However, his stature in the game remains undiminished, and a wildcard entry may be on the cards if Indian Wells Tournament Director Tommy Haas receives a request from him.
As all eyes remain fixed on this potential tennis comeback, only time will tell if Kyrgios can surmount his physical challenges and return to his best in the game he once dominated.