For most players, a single win in a season barely makes a footnote. But for Nick Kyrgios, that lone victory meant everything. He was last seen in action in the singles at the Miami Open, where he won one and lost one. So, it has been almost 254 days since he last played a singles match. But as he prepares for his highly anticipated return to the tennis world - through two blockbuster exhibition events lined up before the end of 2025 - the Aussie has been doing a lot of reflecting…

A limited season, a battered body, and months of uncertainty have a way of forcing an athlete to look inward. And for Kyrgios, that journey brings him back to one night in Miami. This year, he played five matches and won just one. It came against America’s Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the 2025 Miami Open. Kyrgios defeated him by 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It wasn’t a perfect performance. It wasn’t a peak Nick Kyrgios with around 20 aces and scorching tweeners. It was something much more meaningful - proof that he still belonged, that his game still lived inside him despite the setbacks. Speaking to the UTS Tour ahead of his return, the Aussie didn’t hesitate when asked which match meant the most to him this season. “The last match that made me feel something strong was probably my match earlier this year against Mackenzie McDonald in Miami. Obviously, I went through a lot of years being injured and coming back, and winning a match at the Masters level was very special for me.”

For a player who has starred in Wimbledon finals, electrified packed arenas, and delivered some of the most memorable performances of the past decade, calling a first-round win his most special match might surprise casual fans. But it makes perfect sense to those who’ve followed Kyrgios closely.

Although Kyrgios won that match, he lost the next one to Karen Khachanov in straight sets. After that, he took a break, and then he was yet again seen in action at the doubles event of the 2025 Citi Open. Over there, he partnered with French star Gael Monfils, but they were defeated in their very first match by Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Hugo Nys.

But now with his exhibitions approaching, anticipation around Nick Kyrgios’ comeback is swelling. Crowds want to see the serve, the fire, the unpredictability, and yes - even the theatrics. But above all, they want to see a Kyrgios who wants to be there. What did he say, though, about his upcoming match against Aryna Sabalenka at the Battle of the Sexes in Dubai?

Nick Kyrgios is feeling a bit of pressure ahead of his match against Aryna Sabalenka

Nick Kyrgios has never shied away from the spotlight, but even he admits this one feels different. With the much-anticipated Battle of the Sexes showdown against the WTA’s number one, Aryna Sabalenka, just days away, the Aussie star says he’s carrying a weight that goes far beyond his own performances.

During an interview with AAP, Kyrgios revealed, “I was in Hong Kong recently, and a lot of the male players were like, ‘Look, you’re representing all of us.’ So here I am in the firing line again. I’m not a stranger to taking the heat from the media, but I’m excited, whatever the result may be. I’m going to go out there and show the world that as good as she is, she’s got some weaknesses.”

For a player built for big stages, Kyrgios now finds himself at the center of a unique tennis spectacle - one that blurs competitive lines, ignites debates, and puts him in a symbolic duel that transcends rankings or form.

It’s scheduled to take place on December 28. However, before that, Nick Kyrgios will be seen in action at the World Tennis League 2025 in India. 

Other than these exhibition events, Kyrgios’ participation at the Kooyong Classic 2029 has now also been confirmed. As per a recent tweet from the tournament’s official page, “The 2026 Kooyong Classic continues to build momentum, with Australian star Nick Kyrgios set to return to the spiritual home of Australian tennis this January. A two-time competitor at the event, Kyrgios’ return brings a surge of excitement and anticipation as he prepares for a major summer of tennis.”

Nick Kyrgios has previously mentioned that his goal is to play the Australian summer. And guess what? This could be a good preparatory stage for him before the mega event at Melbourne (AO). How excited are you to see him back in action?

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallyTennis. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

Know more