In short:
Novak Djokovic says Nick Kyrgios is looking sharp on the practice court and may make his return from injury at the US Open.
Kyrgios has not played on the tour in more than a year due to injury.
What’s next?
Kyrgios is yet to publicly announce when he intends to return to playing duties.
Novak Djokovic has revealed Nick Kyrgios is hitting the ball better than ever in practice and is talking about making his return from injury at the US Open.
Kyrgios has been working with the BBC commentary team at Wimbledon while also hitting balls with seven-time men’s champion Djokovic, who has reached the final for the 10th time.
The Canberran has not played professionally since pulling out on the eve of the 2023 Wimbledon tournament with injuries that restricted him to just one tour match all last year.
With the US Open beginning in late August, Djokovic said Kyrgios looked sharp on the practice court.
“I can tell you yesterday when we practised, he (Kyrgios) hit a really good serve, and he said, ‘Well, I might come back at the US Open,'” said Djokovic, who defeated Kyrgios in the 2022 Wimbledon final.
“So I don’t know if he was joking about it or not, but let me tell you, he’s hitting the ball as good as ever really.
“He’s so talented. He’s so good with his tennis. I think he said that the wrist bothers him mostly with the serve, but he’s been increasing the load and the intensity and the speed.
“He’s not going for full pace or full-strength serve, but he’s close to that.
“I hope he can come back, personally, and I think everyone in tennis hopes he can come back quickly, because we definitely need him on the tour.”
While commentating on Djokovic’s straight-sets win over Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinals, Kyrgios said he was keen to get back on the circuit while also enjoying his new TV sideline.
“Honestly, I want to do both moving forward,” Kyrgios said.
“I love being here and watching it and analysing it, but I do miss being out there. You know, the rush it brings.
“I want to give the fans something to remember, whether it’s good or bad.
“Physically I’m good, I had a 2 hour practice this morning. I’ve been hitting with Novak every other day, so it’s been good. Everything’s going well.”
Djokovic, who was once a target Kyrgios could not resist baiting, wants him back as soon as possible.
“He’s very positive. It’s nice to see him full of life, full of energy,” Djokovic said.
“He’s really pumped to be here in Wimbledon, enjoying our practice sessions and commentating. He’s an extremely important guy for our sport. I think he brings new fans.”
Djokovic will face reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz in the men’s final after the Spaniard’s advance to the tournament decider via a four-set win over Daniil Medvedev.
AAP/ABC