"Hope Nick Kyrgios' wrist holds up" - Li Tu cautiously optimistic of fellow Aussie's chances at Australian Open 2025

Nick Kyrgios’ participation at the Australian Open is doubtful owing to a wrist injury. His compatriot Li Tu hopes the mercurial Aussie can recover for the season’s first Grand Slam.

Speaking at the Adelaide International press conference after his 6-1, 7-5 win against James Duckworth in the round of 32, Tu said he hoped to see Kyrgios in action at Melbourne Park this week:

“I just hope he has a good Australian Open. I hope that his wrist holds up. Yeah, I just wish nothing but the best for him.”

Tu and Kyrgios now represent Australia and have another aspect in common - they have Asian heritage. Tu noted that Kyrgios was an inspiration to many and an integral part of Australian tennis:

“I think a lot of kids look up to Nick. I think it's cool that he's back on court. We all know what he can do with a tennis racket.”

Despite being out of action for nearly 18 months, Kyrgios will enter the main draw of the 2025 Australian Open with his protected ranking of 21. The protected ranking allows players to play at major tournaments after a long injury lay-off and assures them of a spot in the main draw, but it does not guarantee a seeding.

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Nick Kyrgios returns to action after a long hiatus

Nick Kyrgios marked a return to the ATP Tour for the first time since June 2023 when he competed at the Brisbane International last Tuesday. The Aussie lost 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 6-7(3) to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard but appeared to feel discomfort in his right wrist as his injury seemed to have flared up.

Kyrgios received medical attention, taped up his wrist, and continued to play, but it raised concerns about whether he had fully recovered from the injury. In the post-match press conference, he shed light on his operated wrist and how challenging the comeback was.

"Well, I mean, look, I've got six holes in my hand, like I've got six holes in my hand and one in my arm. Yeah, not one tennis player has ever had this surgery and come back and tried to play again," Nick Kyrgios said.

Kyrgios also partnered Novak Djokovic in the doubles event and the duo lost in the round of 16.

Nick Kyrgios (L) and Novak Djokovic teamed up for the men's doubles at the Brisbane International. Source: Getty

Kyrgios has long struggled with a spate of injuries. He withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open due to a knee injury, then a foot injury ruled him out of Wimbledon and a torn ligament in his wrist on the eve of the French Open ended his season. He underwent surgery and was out for almost all of 2024, before playing exhibition matches at the World Tennis League and is now hoping to make a winning return to his home Grand Slam.