Kyrgios beats Ruud in first match back after long injury layoff
Nick Kyrgios made his comeback to tennis this week, with the Australian defeating world No.8 Casper Ruud in his first professional match for over a year at UTS New York on Thursday.
The 29-year-old’s return to the game did not last long, however, with Kyrgios withdrawing from the tournament’s semi-finals on day two of the event due to a stiff wrist.
“I loved being back on court, and there was no better place to start my return than at the UTS in New York,” shared Kyrgios on Friday.
“Unfortunately, I woke up with a stiff wrist and I have to follow advice from my physio.
“I’m at the later stages of my rehab and have to take it slow to make sure I don’t have any setbacks.”
Kyrgios had only played three matches in the past two years, since making the US Open semi-finals in 2022.
Knee and wrist injuries have been the primary culprits sidelining the former world No.13.
Kyrgios shows high-level against Ruud
Before Kyrgios withdrew from UTS New York, he played brilliantly to dispatch Ruud three quarters to love in the shortened format of tennis.
The Aussie consistently made winners up the line against the Norwegian, mixing in some of his trademark no-look shots and some slap forehands as well.
“What a way to come back,” he said after his win over Ruud.
“I wasn’t expecting to play this well at all. Coming out here and still having that level, it’s amazing.
“I’m surprised, but I’m not that surprised.
“I’ve been putting in some serious work, every single day back home.”
Emotions run high after successful return
Kyrgios explained that to be able to step back onto a tennis court and hold his own with a top 10 player was an emotional moment for him, given that he doubted whether he would ever play again.
“Obviously pretty emotional, it’s been a brutal 11 months,” he explained.
“I didn’t know if I was going to play tennis again with the state of my wrist. It was literally conversations of never playing again.
“Casper’s probably one of the best players in the world, so one of the best ways to test my wrist.”
Up until 10 days ago, Kyrgios was entered into the US Open where he planned to make his return to professional tennis.
Tennis bookmakers were high on his chances with $29 available for the Aussie, despite not having played since June 2023.
He has since withdrawn and is targeting an official return to the Tour in the Australian summer.
