Nick Kyrgios feeling ‘super excited’ ahead of his return to the court

After a drawn-out recovery from injury, Nick Kyrgios is set to make his long-awaited return to the tennis court, no doubt bringing his signature intensity and determination back into play.

Kyrgios will face off against China’s Wu Yibing in Germany on Wednesday, June 14 (AEST) in the opening round of an ATP 250 grass-court tournament in Stuttgart.

The 28-year-old last played in the ATP Finals doubles tournament alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis in November 2022, but has not played singles since October.

Kyrgios was forced out of the Australian Open after undergoing surgery on a meniscus tear on his left knee.

“I wouldn’t say it was major surgery, but I had quite a serious surgery on my knee,” Kyrgios said in the lead-up to his return.

“It’s taken me about five months to get back to even playing, moving and (ready to play) against these players.

“It’s been difficult, but at times it’s been amazing just to be home with my family.

“Tennis is a sport where you travel so much of the year and being home, for me, was important.

“But seeing everyone (else) play wasn’t easy, at times.

“I’m just super excited that my knee is a bit better and I’m able to play now.”

Back at it ???? @NickKyrgios #BOSSOPEN #stuttgart #tennis #atptour #atp pic.twitter.com/IMfuQ0m9Sl

— BOSS OPEN (@boss__open) June 9, 2023

Kyrgios went on to express just how much he is raring to “get out there and play”.

“The grass season for me is always the best part of the year,” he said.

“This year has been really tough for me, obviously recovering from knee surgery.

“I’m coming back at a tournament (where) I’ve done really well in the past, played some amazing matches.

“I’m super excited to be here again and to get out there and play.”

Kyrgios’ return to tennis comes after he was forced to withdraw from this year’s French Open due to injury.

The French Tennis Federation confirmed Kyrgios’ absence from Roland Garros at the time after he was unable to recover from knee surgery in time for the tournament.

Kyrgios’s injury woes also forced the sporting star to withdraw from the Australian Open earlier this year, leaving the tennis community in a state of shock.

A “devastated” Kyrgios made the announcement regarding his decision to step away from the competition to reporters at Melbourne Park on Monday, January 16, declaring that a knee injury was preventing him from competing.

“(This is) one of the most important tournaments of my career. Hasn’t been easy at all,” Kyrgios told reporters at the time.

“I’m obviously extremely disappointed.

“That’s life. Injury is a part of the sport. I guess I can draw some inspiration from someone like Thanasi (Kokkinakis) who has had a bunch of injuries and has bounced back.

“I’m not doubting I will be back to my full strength and playing the tennis I was playing prior to this event. I’m devastated obviously. It’s my home tournament. I’ve had some great memories here. Obviously last year winning the title in doubles and playing the best tennis of my life probably.

“Then going into this event as one of the favourites, it’s brutal. All I can do now is just look forward, do what I need to do and come back.”