Nick Kyrgios is all set to make a long-awaited return to tennis in 2025, his native Australia. The 2022 Wimbledon finalist has been dealing with injuries but is now gearing up for the Brisbane International, a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open. The lineup includes big names like Novak Djokovic and 2024 champion Grigor Dimitrov. Kyrgios won in Brisbane back in 2018, clinching his fourth ATP title.

Recovery and Away from the Court

Kyrgios last played against Yibing Wu in Stuttgart in 2023 and has spent the past year and a half recovering from injury. Away from the court, he has been commentating and sharing his thoughts on fellow ATP stars. Before getting back on court, he looked back on an incident from the start of his career that made him laugh.

Father's Decision and Career Change

Speaking with Alexander Bublik and Patrick Mouratoglou for UTS, Kyrgios recalled his father's decision to switch from basketball to tennis. "It just happened so fast. I played basketball as well. Then my dad just said, we're going to stop playing basketball, we're going to play tennis, because it's easier. Tennis in Australia is huge, basketball was very hard to make it at all." His life quickly changed as he took the tennis world by storm with several huge victories. "Then I just played tennis. I was 19, I'd just finished school, and then I was playing a Challenger one day, and then I beat Rafa [Nadal] like a week later. That was it."

Recalling a Match with Roger Federer

Kyrgios went on to recall how he reacted to hearing he matched an achievement that the legendary Roger Federer had previously accomplished. "I won a challenger, and then the list of people who had won a challenger by like 18 or something, was like [Roger] Federer, [Grigor] Dimitrov, [Milos] Raonic. I laughed, I was like there is no way that I'm going to be like this, there's just no way. Bro, I played video games, I barely trained, I was eating like ****, then it just happened. I never dreamed of doing it, I just laughed."

Kyrgios and Federer's Rivalry

Despite never quite living up to his early career potential, Kyrgios forged several intense rivalries on the ATP Tour. He took on Federer seven times during their time together, and while the Swiss dominated the head-to-head 6-1, there are plenty of classic matches to look back upon.For example, in 2019 at the Laver Cup - RR, the score was 6-7 (5-7), 7-5, (10-7). In 2018 at the Laver Cup - RR, it was 6-3, 6-2. At the US Open - 3R in 2018, the score was 6-4, 6-1, 7-5. In Stuttgart - SF in 2018, it was 6-7, (2-7), 6-2, 7-6 (7-5). In 2017 at the Laver Cup - RR, the score was 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), (10-9). And in the Miami Open - SF in 2017, it was 7-6 (11-9), 6-7 (9-11), 7-6 (7-5).Their first two matches were perhaps the most intense. In 2015 on the Madrid clay, Kyrgios was a big outsider but took it to the eventual 20-time Major champion. After losing the first set tiebreaker, he battled back in the second to take things to a deciding set in front of an excited Spanish crowd. What followed was a marathon tiebreak, as Kyrgios eventually won 14-12 in the third set breaker when Federer hit his forehand wide.In 2017 at the Miami Open semi-finals, trailing 1-0 in the head-to-head, Federer was out for revenge. In another long tie-breaker, Federer clinched it this time, taking the first set after saving several set-points against the Aussie. Kyrgios returned the favor in the second set, winning 11-9 in the tiebreaker to take things to a decider. One final tiebreak followed, and this time Federer got things done 7-5 to secure the first of six wins against Kyrgios.

Charlotte is set to host its first Charlotte Invitational at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Spectrum Center. This event marks a significant moment in the city's tennis scene. Ahead of the exhibition match, tennis star Madison Keys was on hand to unveil a newly refurbished court in west Charlotte. She sat down with Channel 9 sports reporter DaShawn Brown to share her passion for making tennis accessible to all.

Madison Keys: Uniting Tennis and Community

Tennis Star Madison Keys and the Charlotte Invitational

The Charlotte Invitational is a highly anticipated event that brings together tennis enthusiasts and the community. Madison Keys, a renowned tennis star, is at the forefront of this initiative. Her presence adds a touch of star power and excitement to the occasion. The Spectrum Center provides the perfect backdrop for this inaugural tournament, setting the stage for some thrilling matches.

Tennis has been a significant part of Madison Keys' life. She believes that getting more kids involved in tennis opens up numerous opportunities. As she said, "Tennis has brought so much into my life. My goal has been to get as many kids playing tennis as possible because I think it opens so many doors other than just playing pro tennis." This sentiment reflects her dedication to making tennis accessible to everyone.

Keys' journey in tennis started at a young age. She was 12 when she relied on grants through USTA and attended the Everett Tennis Academy. With the help of a scholarship, she was able to pursue her dream. However, after two years, she realized that becoming a professional tennis player was more challenging than she initially thought. Her parents supported her in the beginning, but as the costs increased, they faced financial difficulties.

Tennis Star Keys' Impact on Other Communities

Keys has not only achieved success in her own career but has also made a significant impact on other communities. In North Charleston, she helped refurbish a court, providing more opportunities for local kids to play tennis. This act of kindness has sparked interest in the sport and given hope to the next generation.

"Starting my foundation and having 'Kindness Wins' has been the biggest success of my life," Keys said. "At the end of the day, winning tennis tournaments is amazing, but I also want to make a difference in people's lives." Her foundation is dedicated to promoting tennis and kindness, and her work is having a positive impact on communities across the country.

Keys' friendship with Sloane Stephens is another aspect of her life that adds to her story. The two have been friends for nearly 20 years and will be competing against each other tomorrow. On the tennis court, they are fierce competitors, but off the court, they share a bond that goes beyond the sport.

"We know we both want to win when we get on the court, but once the match is over, we start talking about something completely tennis-unrelated," Keys said. This shows the depth of their friendship and the importance of having a life outside of tennis.

Tennis in a Basketball Arena: A New Experience for Keys

Keys has never played a match in a basketball arena before. The Charlotte Invitational will be a first for her, and she is looking forward to the experience. Sitting in front of a large crowd in a basketball arena will be a new challenge for her, but she is excited to take on the opportunity.

"I don't think I've ever sat in front of so many seats before. It might be a little overwhelming, but it'll be a really fun experience," Keys said. This shows her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new challenges.

You can watch the Charlotte Invitational live on TV64 at 7 p.m. Friday. We'll also have the Spanish broadcast on our sister station, Telemundo Charlotte.©2024 Cox Media Group