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<\/p>\nNick Kyrgios is feeling something he hasn\u2019t in years \u2013 optimism.<\/p>\n
After battling relentless knee and wrist injuries that all but erased him from the tennis map, the mercurial Australian says his body has made a \u201cmiraculous\u201d turnaround, giving him hope of a Grand Slam return at January\u2019s Australian Open.<\/p>\n
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist \u2013 now ranked No. 652 after playing just six matches in three years \u2013 admitted he was close to giving up earlier this season.<\/p>\n
But after what he describes as a stunning improvement in his right knee, Kyrgios insists he\u2019s ready to test himself again on the big stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know whether to call it a miracle or not, but my knee feels like it\u2019s gotten younger by a couple of years,\u201d Kyrgios told Australian Associated Press (AP). \u201cIt\u2019s not swelling. It\u2019s not sore after training. I have a new lease on life on court.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old said he\u2019s been pain-free for the first time in years, crediting weeks of rehabilitation and strength work with his physiotherapist and masseuse. \u201cSomething\u2019s changed,\u201d he said. \u201cI can finally move and push without fear. Physically, I\u2019m in a really good space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kyrgios will ease back through a string of exhibition matches \u2013 first facing American Ben Shelton at the Atlanta Cup on Dec. 6, then Tommy Paul at Madison Square Garden two days later.<\/p>\n
The highlight will be his Dec. 28 showdown in Dubai against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a made-for-TV \u201cBattle of the Sexes\u201d spectacle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m representing all the guys\u201d<\/p>\n
While he\u2019s confident about his form, Kyrgios admits the pressure will be intense when he meets Sabalenka \u2013 a nod to Billie Jean King\u2019s iconic 1973 match against Bobby Riggs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in Hong Kong recently and some of the male players were like, \u2018You\u2019re representing all of us,\u2019\u201d Kyrgios said, laughing. \u201cSo here I am in the firing line again.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he respects Sabalenka deeply, calling her \u201cone of the greatest women\u2019s players ever\u201d and predicting she\u2019ll win \u201cmultiple more Grand Slams.\u201d But in true Kyrgios fashion, he couldn\u2019t resist a spark of bravado.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to show the world that as good as she is, she\u2019s got weaknesses,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To balance the contest, Kyrgios will compete on a court roughly 10% smaller than Sabalenka\u2019s side, limiting his space to fire winners.<\/p>\n
Still, the Aussie is relishing the challenge \u2013 and the spotlight that comes with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know most of the crowd will be on her side,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s fine. I\u2019ve never shied away from pressure or heat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eyes on Melbourne<\/p>\n
If his body holds up through December, Kyrgios hopes to earn a wildcard to the Australian Open, which begins Jan. 12 at Melbourne Park.<\/p>\n
It would mark his first Grand Slam appearance since 2022 and his first professional match since the second round of the Miami Open in March 2023.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios \u2013 one of only 16 players ever to beat all members of tennis\u2019 \u201cBig Four\u201d \u2013 said he feels rejuvenated and ready to compete again.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere have only been a handful of guys who\u2019ve beaten Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m confident, but I also know Aryna\u2019s dangerous. I\u2019ll give her full respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite his current low ranking, the former world No. 13 believes his comeback could reignite one of tennis\u2019s most unpredictable and magnetic careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I can get through these matches healthy,\u201d he said, \u201cI\u2019ll be ready to go. I feel good about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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