Nick Kyrgios returned to the tennis courts in New York at the Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), but he won't be playing more than one match at the popular event.
Kyrgios has been away from tennis for a very long time. First, he had knee surgery, which kept him out for a couple of months. He only returned at the ATP 250 event in Stuttgart last year for one match, after which he sustained a wrist injury during the lead-up to the Mallorca Championships.
It's been over a year since that match and almost two years since he played more than two matches, so fans haven't seen him in a competitive setting in a really long time. The wrist injury was described as complicated, which required Kyrgios to try several approaches to fixing it.
As his participation in the UTS in New York proved, he's getting closer to a return. He played a match against Casper Ruud, which was interesting due to their history, which included some unsavory comments. Kyrgios played some great tennis and won easily 17-8, 21-9, and 15-11.
It was wonderful to see him so competitive, and he was really happy to be back. In a video message posted by the UTS Tour, Kyrgios thanked all the fans for coming out and supporting him. He also thanked Patrick Mouratoglou, who came up with this event, and Ruud for playing against him.
"Hey, guys. It's Nick Kyrgios here. I just finished a little rehab session. Just want to say how amazing yesterday was. Such an incredible experience being back out on the court in front of some amazing fans."
"Amazing atmosphere. I just want to thank Patrick and Casper for giving me the opportunity to go out there and show that I can still do it on the biggest stage."
As great as that was for Kyrgios, he won't be playing any more tennis matches at the UTS because he withdrew on the day of the semi-final against Gael Monfils.
It's unfortunate for Kyrgios, but he woke up with some soreness in his wrist, and due to how complicated the rehabilitation has been, the Australian doesn't want to risk anything.
He's very close to returning to tennis, and he's just going to take it day by day to ensure that he returns in the best possible shape. Overall, he was really happy with the way the return went, and he can't wait to be back on Tour.
"But unfortunately, today, my wrist is pulled up a little stiff, and I'm in the latest stages of my rehab, and I just don't want any setbacks. You know I'm really close to the back on Tour."
"So unfortunately, you won't see me later today playing my semi-final against La Monf, my good friend, which I was really looking forward to. But all positive signs. I can't wait to be part of of more UTS action in the future and back on Tour."