No one knows for sure when 2022 Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios will return to competition after nearly two years away from the tour because of injuries.
But perhaps Kyrgios dropped a hint to Novak Djokovic while the two were practicing this week at the All England Club.
“He hit a really good serve, and he said, ‘Well, I might come back at the US Open‘. So I don’t know if he was joking about it or not,” Djokovic said after winning his semifinal.
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“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.”
The 29-year-old Aussie lost to Djokovic in the Wimbledon final two years ago, before knee and wrist problems sidelined him.
Kyrgios has played just one official singles match since October 2022. He has been doing TV commentary for the BBC during Wimbledon.
“I think the return is near, but it’s hard to say because it’s one thing to be practicing for an hour or two but something completely different when you’re on the tour, playing in a tournament where you have to come back every day – for four, five, six days in a row,” Djokovic said.
“And he won’t know how his wrist will react until he plays in a tournament.”
Djokovic said Kyrgios had told him his wrist bothered him most while serving, but despite that was still “close” to serving at full strength.
“He’s very positive – it’s nice to see him full of life, full of energy. He’s really pumped to be here in Wimbledon, enjoying our practice sessions (and) commentating, Djokovic said.
“He’s a really important guy for our sport. He brings in new fans, he’s been doing a terrific job staying in tennis, with his podcast, interviewing Mike Tyson and some very interesting personalities in different industries.”
The pair have spent a significant amount of time together during the tournament, and fans have captured Kyrgios hitting with Djokovic’s two children.
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“It’s a little bit of a bromance we’re having in the last couple of years, which is interesting because we really didn’t like each other at all for many years,” Djokovic said with a laigh.
“But now we’re getting along very well. He’s very nice also to my kids, he plays with them.
Djokovic, who plays Carlos Alcaraz for the Wimbledon title on Sunday night (AEST), said he hoped Kyrgios can compete again.
“I hope he comes back personally, and I think everyone in tennis hopes he comes back because I think we need him on the tour.”
The US Open begins on August 26.