Nick Kyrgios urged to change plans to be better prepared for Australian Open 2025 by 4x Grand Slam doubles champ

Nick Kyrgios has been advised to get more matches under his belt ahead of the Australian Open by former World No. 1 doubles player and fellow Aussie Paul McNamee. Making his highly-anticipated return to the sport at the ATP 250 tournament in Brisbane, Kyrgios was edged in three tight sets by rising French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

The loss against Perricard was Kyrgios' first singles match in over 18 months, as he has been sidelined with several career-threatening injuries, including one on his wrist that required surgery.

Weighing in on Kyrgios' preparations for the Australian Open, McNamee noted that he did "better than expected" in his singles return. However, he suggested that one singles match is not enough and the Aussie needs more time on the court.

McNamee wrote on X (the erstwhile Twitter), "He (Kyrgios) could have done with another singles match to be better prepared for the AO… changing plans is difficult, but is a wildcard in Adelaide an option, as one match is not really enough?"

The 2025 Adelaide 250 tournament, another tune-up for the ensuing Grand Slam, will be held from 6 to 11 January 2025.

All is not lost for the Aussie hope, as he is still alive in the doubles section of the draw. The duo of Kyrgios and Novak Djokovic outlasted Alexander Erler and Andreas Mies in a tightly contested opener.

In the Round of 16, the much-hyped team will next face off against the top-seeded duo of Nikola Mektić and Michael Venus.

Nick Kyrgios will need 'miracle' to play Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios in action at the 2025 Brisbane International - Source: Getty

After losing in the first round of the Brisbane International, Nick Kyrgios has suggested that he would need a "miracle" to be able to play in the upcoming Australian Open.

"That's a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I'm able to (play) not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it's physically a grind," he has said (via Reuters). "I think I almost need a miracle and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure."

Kyrgios described his wrist as "very sore" after his initial two matches. However, he has assured that he would be taking to the court for the doubles match alongside Djokovic.

Nick Kyrgios will be pairing up with his friend Thanasi Kokkinakis for doubles at the Australian Open. The duo had lifted the trophy in 2022 defeating compatriots Matthew Ebedn and Max Purcell in the final, 7–5, 6–4.