Nick Kyrgios is expected to play at the revamped Kooyong Classic in preparation for Australian Open 2026.
The 30-year-old hasn't played a competitive match since the Miami Masters in March, but is looking to get back on the professional circuit after a respite from chronic injury issues.
Earlier this month, Kyrgios claimed 'something changed with his knee' and that it had 'gotten younger by a couple of years' - with a possible return to Melbourne Park next year on the cards.
Kooyong Classic tournament director Peter Johnston confirmed Kyrgios would play at the exhibition event as his final preparation to play at the Australian Open.
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Prior to Kooyong, Kyrgios is booked to play in a World Tennis League event prior to Christmas, before he takes on women's world no.1 Aryna Sabalenka in a 'Battle of the Sexes' exhibition match on December 28.
It is unknown whether Kyrgios will then compete in the Brisbane International or he will wait for Kooyong as his last match action before the grand slam tournament.
“It’s great to see Nick back playing singles,” Johnston said, with the Kooyong Classic returning in 2026 after not being staged in 2025
“He brings a level of shot-making genius and showmanship you simply don’t see every day. When he walks on court, you know something memorable is going to happen. It’s great to welcome him back to Kooyong.”
Kyrgios has only played six professional matches since being struck down by injury in October 2022 - just a few months after he reached the final at Wimbledon.
His only grand slam match in that time was a straight sets loss to Britain's Jacob Fearnley at Australian Open 2025, while he played at Indian Wells and Miami Masters since, winning one match against Mackenzie McDonald, but failing to get a set in the other two against Karen Khachanov and Botic van de Zandschulp.