Nick Kyrgios has been given a wildcard entry into the Brisbane International in a pointer to his determination to play in the Australian Open.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios will feature in the January 4-11 tournament in Queensland ahead of being granted another possible wildcard into the grand slam in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios, beset by injuries and four rounds of knee and wrist surgeries, has played just six ATP Tour matches in more than three years.<\/p>\n
The 2018 Brisbane International champion was today confirmed as an entrant to the tournament’s next edition.<\/p>\n
“Nick has long been a favourite with Brisbane crowds and will be a major drawcard for fans,” Brisbane International tournament director Cameron Pearson said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“We’re thrilled to welcome him back to Brisbane and can’t wait to watch him perform in front of a passionate home crowd.”<\/p>\n
The 30-year-old will follow his Brisbane appearance by contesting the round-robin Kooyong Classic in Melbourne from January 13-15.<\/p>\n
Australian Open organisers are expected to lock in all wildcards just before qualifying starts on January 12.<\/p>\n
The former Wimbledon finalist said last month he had been training as well as his career-best year in 2022, when he lost the grass-court final in London to Novak Djokovic in four sets and also reached the US Open quarter-finals.<\/p>\n