Nick Kyrgios has admitted that he might “need a miracle” to play at the Australian Open in a fortnight after enduring pain in his wrist on his singles return.

The 29-year-old played his first singles match in 18 months on Tuesday, a slim defeat to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the Brisbane International.

Kyrgios, who reached the Wimbledon final two years ago, underwent surgery on a wrist injury in September 2023, which he feared could have been career-ending.

But despite enduring “throbbing” pain in his latest match, Kyrgios is still hopeful of playing at his first major since September 2022.

“After today I’m super excited for the Australian Open,” he said. “If I’m able to play, I’m able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me.

“That’s a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I’m able to [play], not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it’s physically a grind.

“I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure.”

But the former world No. 13 was narrowly edged out by 21-year-old Mpetshi Perricard, who beat the Australian 7-6(2) 6-7(4) 7-6(3).

“For me, honestly, it was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months. And to put myself in a winning position was exciting,” said Kyrgios.

“It was just good to be back out there and to say that I can still play at a level against someone like that who is coming off the best year of their career and only getting better.”

The Grand Slam will get underway on Sunday, January 12 and will run until Sunday, January 26.