Nick Kyrgios made a long-awaited return to action by impressing for Team Kites at the World Tennis League (WTL).
Kyrgios felt ‘blessed’ after returning from injury, opening his tournament in Abu Dhabi with a mixed doubles victory.
The Australian partnered with Jasmine Paolini to beat Caroline Garcia and Denis Shapovalov at the Etihad Arena in Yas Island.
Kyrgios then lost against Andrey Rublev, although he did recover with a doubles win against Jordan Thompson and Sumit Nagal alongside Casper Ruud.
Ruud called his Kyrgios pairing ‘fire and ice’, with the duo getting along at the event after a previous fallout.
His side did, however, finish third in the World Tennis League, with Rublev’s Falcons team emerging victorious.
But Kyrgios massively enjoyed the event, with the Australian writing on his Instagram story: “Thank you Abu Dhabi!! Was dope seeing all the fans again!! Played amazing and can’t wait for more.”
READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios now confirms the reason why he did not interview Jannik Sinner on court at the US Open
He added another shortly after in reference to his wrist surgery, saying: “Wrist reconstruction ain’t gonna end me.”
Kyrgios clearly has a way to go yet until he is 100% sharp and fit on the court, but this was certainly a fantastic welcome back.
The fans were perhaps unsurprisingly treated to some moments of magic from the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up, who once reached 13 in the ATP Tour rankings.
A return to that spot is highly unlikely given his injury problems, but as long as he is enjoying his tennis it doesn’t matter.
READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios reacts on social media after Pat Rafter says he could reach the Australian Open semi-finals
Kyrgios will soon take on the Brisbane International, where he will partner with former enemy Novak Djokovic in doubles.
The home favourite then takes on the mighty task of the 2025 Australian Open, where his new doubles partner Djokovic is a record-10-time champion.
Kyrgios has only ever reached the quarter-finals of his home Grand Slam in singles, but managed a superb doubles victory at the 2022 Australian Open alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.
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