The Fall from Grace
Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis sensation, has experienced a dramatic drop in the ATP Tour rankings after nearly a year of inactivity. Once a Wimbledon runner-up, Kyrgios, now 28, has faced numerous challenges, including injuries, side-lining him for an extended period. As 2023 progresses, the question arises: could we see Kyrgios make a comeback before the year’s end?
A Year of Silence
Kyrgios’ 2023 season has been marked by a significant lack of activity. In fact, he has only participated in one match this year, suffering a first-round defeat to Yibing Wu at the Stuttgart Open in June. His last win on the tour dates back to over a year ago when he emerged victorious at the 2022 Japan Open.
Rankings Erosion
The repercussions of Kyrgios’ inactivity have taken a toll on his ATP Tour rankings. The points he earned from his remarkable run at the 2022 Japan Open have since dropped off his ranking, leaving him without any points against his name. Kyrgios’ career-high ranking of world No. 13 was achieved in 2016. In the previous year, he made an astonishing resurgence, re-entering the top 20 after a stellar summer, which saw him clinch singles and doubles titles at the Citi Open and reach his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.
A Series of Unfortunate Injuries
Kyrgios’ fortunes took a downturn when he reached the quarterfinals of the US Open, only to lose to Karen Khachanov in a gruelling five-set match. Following this, a knee injury forced him to withdraw from the Japan Open, despite winning two matches. He then partnered with Thanasi Kokkinakis for doubles at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin but later underwent knee surgery in January. This double blow of injuries kept him out of action for most of the first half of the year.
A Glimpse of Hope
While recovering from his knee surgery, Kyrgios had to skip both Wimbledon and the US Open due to a wrist injury. Expressing his disappointment on Instagram, he reassured his fans, stating, “But may I remind people I have a protected ranking of 21. When I choose to be back, I’ll be back where I belong.” Despite falling off the rankings, Kyrgios appears determined to make a return to the court, and fans eagerly await his comeback.
A Promising Return?
There might be light at the end of the tunnel for Nick Kyrgios. He has been listed among the headline names scheduled to participate in the Ultimate Tennis Showdown event in Seoul, South Korea, from November 30 to December 3. This event boasts a unique scoring system and a shorter format, offering Kyrgios an opportunity to showcase his skills. However, it’s essential to note that he withdrew from previous UTS events earlier this year due to injuries.
Understanding Kyrgios’ Protected Ranking
Kyrgios holds a protected ranking of 21, a critical lifeline for injured players. This special ranking is awarded to players who are side-lined for at least six months due to injury. The ranking’s position is determined based on the player’s average ranking during the first three months of their injury. It grants the player entry into tournaments upon their return, as their current ranking post-injury would typically be too low to secure a spot in the draw.
According to ATP rules, the protected ranking remains in effect for either the first nine tournaments the player competes in using the Entry Protection (excluding wildcards and direct acceptances with their current position in the ATP Rankings) or for up to nine months, starting from the first tournament played after their return. This provides Kyrgios with a valuable opportunity to regain his footing on the Tour.
Hopes for the 2024 Australian Open
As fans and tennis enthusiasts look forward to the future, Kyrgios is setting his sights on the 2024 Australian Open. This Grand Slam event will be extended to a 15-day schedule, a change that aligns it with the French Open. With his protected ranking and a determination to reclaim his position among the tennis elite, Kyrgios is poised to make a triumphant return and continue his journey in the world of professional tennis.
