Nick Kyrgios appeared to be dealing with pain and discomfort in his surgically repaired wrist during a Brisbane International loss before hinting that he may be forced to miss the Australian Open.
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After undergoing wrist surgery in 2023 September, the Australian missed the entire 2024 season as he didn't want to rush his comeback.
On Tuesday, the 29-year-old played his first ATP singles match in 18 months.
While Kyrgios went through a three-setter that lasted two and a half hours, he was spotted checking on his wrist and wrapping it up during the match.
And that wasn't the sight that his fans wanted to see.
In the end, the former world No. 13 finished the match but Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard won 7-6 (2) 6-7 (4) 7-6 (3).
Kyrgios said he was in 'throbbing pain'
After the loss, the seven-time ATP champion confirmed to reporters that he indeed felt wrist pain and discomfort - he used the word "throbbing" to describe it.
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Then, the 2022 Wimbledon runner-up added that it was also a reality check and that his Australian Open participation wasn't set in stone.
"After today I'm super excited for the Australian Open. If I'm able to play, I'm able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me," Kyrgios said after the match.
"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.
"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."
Now, it will be interesting to see what Kyrgios does with doubles in Brisbane as he and Novak Djokovic have made the quarterfinal.
