Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has returned to the sport, defeated after playing his first match in over 18 months. 

Playing at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi, Kyrgios faced off against current world no. 8 in his first singles match since June 2023. 

Following a successful doubles match alongside Jasmine Paolini, morale was high for the former Wimbledon finalist, but he was unable to return to his winning ways against the Russian. 

Nick Kyrgios defeated in long-awaited comeback

It was an unsuccessful return to singles tennis for Kyrgios overnight in Abu Dhabi, with the former world no. 13, defeated by Andrey Rublev 6-4 in the single set match. 

The loss came on the heels of a successful double’s effort, in which he and Paolini defeated Denis Shapovalov and Caroline Garcia 7-5. 

Having not played tennis professionally since the Stuttgart Open in mid-2023, some rust was to be expected, but Kyrgios showed some promising signs in his return, ahead of a team-up with Novak Djokovic at the Brisbane International, held from late-December through early-January. 

In the lead up to his return, Kyrgios also spoke about his belief that he can once again contend for grand slam titles, hitting back at criticism from Nicolas Mahut. 

“When I hear someone like Mahut tell me to be realistic, I can’t help but question his credentials.

“Sure, he was a fantastic doubles player and a Grand Slam champion, but he hasn’t experienced the singles journey I have. That’s likely why he holds that opinion.

“On the singles court, he lacked the belief that I possess, so I dismiss his views. I’ve accomplished far more in singles than Mahut could dream of in his entire career,” Kyrgios said.

“That belief is what sets champions apart. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic are the greatest because so many players are defeated before they ever hit the court against them. I refuse to be that player. My ability and belief will always drive me forward.”

Kyrgios’ next action will come at the Brisbane International, before a grand slam return at the Australian Open early next year.