Ex-Aussie ace praying for injury return of Kyrgios

The uncertain injury return date of controversial Nick Kyrgios is top of the discussion board in Australian tennis as the January Open draws closer.

Former player and Davis Cup coach Wally Masur has voiced his dream that the 28-year-old who has played just one match in 2023 and now stands without an ATP ranking, will somehow be ready when the Grand Slam begins on January 14.

“I’ve heard that he’s been training and doing rehab in Canberra for that very eventuality,” Masur said.

“Roger (Federer) has retired, Rafa (Nadal) is a little busted and Andy (Murray) is playing with one hip.

“The Big 4 have been pretty much dismantled, although Novak (Djokovic) is obviously still there… there are opportunities (for Kyrgios to come back and win big events).”

Masur, speaking at the launch of the United Cup team event, added: “I thought it might have been the next group of Taylor Fritz and Stefanos Tsitsipas, but Carlos Alcaraz has been the one who has busted through and emerged.

“Can Nick come back and play a part in all this? Absolutely, because anyone who serves like that is always competitive. He might even have the best serve in the game right now.

“Can he do it? Yes, but it probably comes down to motivation and making sure his body doesn’t let him down.”

Masur called the 28-year-old “pretty crucial for Australian and world tennis, so it would be good to have him back.”

Main photo:- Enigmatic Nick Kyrgios’s motto tattoo on his left leg. by Roger Parker Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd