All eyes will be on Nick Kyrgios at the Australian Open with fans and tennis greats eagerly awaiting his return to the courts and how his comeback story unfolds.

The polarising Australian star has only managed one competitive match in the past two years due to a lingering battle with a wrist and knee injuries.

His extended absence from the courts has left many speculating the level of success he will have at his home grand slam and now Pat Rafter has given his thoughts.

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“You’d never write anyone off with the talent that Nick has,” Rafter told AAP.

“It’s pretty amazing. I really don’t know what he’s done, though.

“A year and a half off the game … it’s going to be interesting. I have no expectations or understanding about how he is going to go. I think it’s all up in the air.”

Rafter is one of Australia’s greatest male players and is very familiar with the style and motivations driving Kyrgios after the pair worked together a decade ago in Davis Cup.

The 29-year-old’s potential success at Melbourne Park remains a complete mystery, but it’s one that Rafter – and tennis fans across the globe – will tune in for.

“If he gets to the quarters, the semis, it wouldn’t surprise me,” he said.

“He’s got a massive game, but then can he keep it together? Can his body and mind hold together? They’re probably his really big hurdles.”