After a long injury lay-off, Australian Nick Kyrgios turned heads as he made his long-awaited return to the tennis court in a doubles match with Naomi Osaka.
Nick Kyrgios gave a tribute to Kobe Bryant alongside Naomi Osaka in New York
Nick Kyrgios made his return to the tennis court after a near two-year absence from action as he played alongside Naomi Osaka – while wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey. The Australian star and his doubles partner both took part in the tribute to the NBA icon as they demonstrated their talents in New York.
The former world No. 13 has been nursing a succession of injuries since requiring surgery on a knee problem on the eve of the 2023 Australian Open. Since then, a subsequent foot issue prevented him from his return at the French Open, before a wrist injury ruled him out of Wimbledon – leaving him sidelined into 2024.
However, the 29-year-old re-emerged from his long layoff at the US Open Mixed Madness as he played out an entertaining match with Osaka at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The pair were unable to get past Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova in the clash but turned heads with their choice of attire.
Demonstrating their admiration for the late Bryant, Kyrgios and Osaka donned the famous No.8 jersey wore by the NBA legend during his 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers. In the case of the former, he wore a yellow jersey, while his partner on court wore some navy Lakers merchandise.
The Australian firebrand appears energized by the prospect of making a return to tennis in recent times, having teased another leg of his comeback at the upcoming Ultimate Tennis Showdown in New York recently. Taking to social media, the one-time Wimbledon runner-up said: “Hey guys, it’s NK here.
Nick Kyrgios has had a long injury layoff as he made his return in New York
“I just want to inform everyone that keeps up with the UTS or any tennis fan out there that I will be competing on the 22nd of August at the Forest Hill Stadium in New York,” he continued, before saying: “I know it’s been a long time but my body is finally ready to get back out there and have some fun.
“I will see if I’m still able to go up against some of the best players in the world starting off with my old rival Casper Ruud. Casper, please take it easy on me. I can’t wait to be out there again competing in front of all the amazing fans and hopefully I can still bring some life to the sport.”
Speaking previously about the demands of being sidelined through injury, the Aussie star acknowledged that he has found the period particularly challenging, admitting: “The last 11 months was brutal. Genuinely thought I wasn’t ever gonna play again. But this raw athlete doesn’t give up.”
Previously, Novak Djokovic revealed that his peer had looked sharp during one practice session at Wimbeldon. Recalling that encounter with his rival, he said: “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. But let me tell you, he’s hitting the ball as good as ever, really.
Still no stranger to speaking his mind on the major talking points in the sport, Kyrgios waded into the debate after it emerged that world No. 1 Jannick Sinner has been cleared of a ban after failing to anti-doping tests. International Tennis Integrity unit ruled that the player was found to have committed “no fault or negligence”.
Giving his verdict, the outspoken star said on Twitter/X: “Ridiculous – whether it was accidental or planned. You get tested twice with a banned (steroid) substance… you should be gone for 2 years. Your performance was enhanced. Massage cream…. Yeah nice’.”
News
Roger Federer shares big prediction on Novak Djokovic’s future
He will not be among the protagonists who will battle on the court, but Roger Federer was the most anticipated man in Berlin, where the 7th edition of the Laver Cup will be played from tomorrow – an event of which he is one…
Novak Djokovic And Father Srdjan Djokovic Share An Unforgettable Moment That Creates A Deep Connection And His Special Gift
In the realm of professional tennis, few names shine as brightly as Novak Djokovic. Known for his extraordinary talent, unwavering determination, and countless victories, Djokovic has become a global icon in the sport. However, beyond the courts and the spotlight,…
Shaquille O’Neal’s Emotional Message To Son Shareef Also Shields Bronny James From Public Burden
Shaquille O’Neal and his son are no strangers to fan expectations. It’s safe to say that LeBron James and Bronny are sailing in a parallel boat, if not the same one. The Lakers father-son duo has been catching a ton of heat…
LeBron James posted this message to Bryce Young following the news that he’s been benched as the Carolina Panthers QB.
LeBron James expresses his support for former first overall pick Bryce Young. NBA superstar and sports icon LeBron James didn’t hold back in expressing his support for Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who was recently benched following a disappointing 0-2 start to the season. Veteran Andy…
Angel Reese GOES NUTS After She Gets HAMMERED By The Experts! Caitlin Clark SHOCKED The WNBA
In recent weeks, the WNBA has been at the center of a heated debate, sparked primarily by the performances of two standout players: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While both athletes have made significant contributions to the league, the spotlight…
Jelly Roll to headline opening night of 2025 Birds Nest at WM Phoenix Open
PHOENIX — The WM Phoenix Open has its headliner for the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest and it will be Jelly Roll. Country singer Jelly Roll will headline the opening night of the 2025 Birds Nest on Feb….
End of content
No more pages to load