Nick Kyrgios confirms return to tennis at Kooyong Classic

Nick Kyrgios is set to return to the tennis court in January 2027 after being confirmed for the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne. The Australian exhibition tournament will take place from January 12 to 14, offering the former Wimbledon finalist an opportunity to prepare for the new season ahead of the Australian Open.

Kyrgios received a one-month suspension after testing positive for cocaine during the grass-court season in 2026. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) imposed the suspension from August 4 to September 3. The sanction was reduced after the Australian explained that the substance had been used socially outside competition and agreed to participate in an approved treatment programme.

Although Kyrgios became eligible to compete again in September, he has opted to delay his return until the start of 2027. The 31-year-old has endured a difficult period in recent seasons, with injuries and extended absences limiting his opportunities to compete. He now faces the challenge of regaining match fitness and rebuilding his position in the world rankings.

Kyrgios will join a field that includes Arthur Fils, Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini, Denis Shapovalov and Karen Khachanov. However, his participation in the Kooyong Classic does not yet confirm that he will compete at the Australian Open. With his singles ranking having fallen outside the top 900, securing entry into major ATP events could prove difficult without wildcards.