The Australian Open 2025 main-draw entry lists were released last week, with eleven Australians confirmed as main-draw starters.
However, one name that stood out the most was Nick Kyrgios, who received a protected ranking following a two-year hiatus from the 'Happy Slam'.
Having last played a professional match at the Stuttgart Open in 2023, Kyrgios has stayed involved in the game through his commentary of the Grand Slams and other tournaments throughout the professional tennis calendar year.
After a career-best year in 2022, which involved a runner-up at Wimbledon, a quarter-final at the US open and an Australian Open doubles title with fellow countryman, Thanasi Kokkinakis, on the eve of the 2023 Australian Open, Kyrgios withdrew due to complications with his knee and wrist, which would see him miss the majority of the 2023 season and the entirety of 2024.
So how does Kyrgios, despite essentially missing the last two years of professional tennis, still manage to qualify for the upcoming Australian Open? Under the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ruling, a player is eligible for a protected ranking if they have been injured.
A protected ranking is the average of a players ranking in the first three months of their injury. As such, Nick Kyrgios' has a protected ranking of 21 for the 2025 Australian Open.
Speaking to WWOS last month, Kyrgios eluded to his significant recovery stating that he, "Had to learn how to use his right wrist all over again."
As someone who was renowned for not having the greatest work-ethic, Kyrgios bucked his own trend by training harder than he had ever done before, ensuring that he could conclude his career on his own terms and not being dictated by injury.
"[There was a] 15 miracle per cent chance that I was going to get back to playing at this level. I've already won in my eyes, if I win a match or tournament it's just going to be a bonus." Kyrgios added.
At still only 29 years of age, Kyrgios does have plenty more tennis to be play. Starting at the Brisbane International on December 30th, Kyrgios will look to begin a second chance at professional tennis, before making his much anticipated return to the Grand Slam arena in Melbourne, with the Men's singles kicking off on January 12th.
