<h2>Nick Kyrgios Fighting for Australian Open Return – Three Set Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Nick Kyrgios is building momentum for tennis comeback through exhibition matches after nearly three years away due to injury.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- His <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/men-s-australian-open-winner-2026-8896398">Australian Open participation is uncertain</a> as the former world No.13 requires &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; wildcard invitation following ranking drop.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Tournament director Craig Tiley yet to confirm wildcard despite Kyrgios expressing desire to compete at home Grand Slam</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Kyrgios Exhibition Schedule Builds Australian Open Momentum</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 30-year-old Australian has been actively participating in exhibition events as he builds towards a potential return to competitive tennis.</p> <p>After being sidelined for the past three years with persistent knee and wrist problems, Kyrgios attempted a brief comeback in January, competing in five matches across four tournaments before injury concerns forced another withdrawal.</p> <p>Recent exhibition appearances have seen Kyrgios face Tommy Paul and Ben Shelton in America, with the former Wimbledon finalist showing encouraging signs of form.</p> <p>His exhibition schedule continues with participation in the World Tennis League tournament in India, followed by a<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/tennis/tennis-news/battle-of-the-sexes-sabalenka-kyrgios-2025"> highly anticipated Battle of the Sexes showdown</a> against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai.</p> <p>The unique One Point Slam exhibition tournament, scheduled before the Australian Open, will also feature Kyrgios competing against amateur players in single-point matches, further demonstrating his commitment to returning to competitive action.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australian Open Wildcard Uncertainty Looms</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Despite his exhibition activities, Kyrgios' participation in the Australian Open remains far from guaranteed.</p> <p>The Australian tennis star currently sits outside the world's top 600 rankings due to his extended absence, while his protected ranking of No. 21 has lapsed after being utilised for earlier tournaments this year.</p> <p>This ranking situation means Kyrgios will require a wildcard invitation to compete at his home Grand Slam.</p> <p>However, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has not committed to providing one, creating uncertainty around the popular player's return.</p> <p>When questioned about Kyrgios' potential Melbourne Park appearance, Tiley told The Tennis podcast: "I don't know, we'll have to wait and see. But he's playing, which is good, he's been playing events leading in, and I know he wants to play in the summer."</p> <p>Tiley acknowledged the wildcard requirement, stating: "I think he's beyond the period of a protected ranking, so he's going to need a wild card to play as far as I'm concerned."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Battle of the Sexes Generating Plenty of Intrigue</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The upcoming Battle of the Sexes exhibition match between Kyrgios and Sabalenka has attracted significant attention, though not without controversy.</p> <p>Some critics have questioned whether the event might damage women's tennis, prompting a robust response from Kyrgios on social media.</p> <p>Defending the exhibition, Kyrgios posted: "At the end of the day, Aryna will go down as one of the greatest players to play this game. I will have entertained crowds around the world. We are two humans that are good friends and want to put on a show and get more eyes on tennis."</p> <p>The Australian emphasized the positive impact on tennis promotion, adding: "Not all this other BS - does this not look like TENNIS is going in the right DIRECTION? Sit back and enjoy the show - we both love the challenge and are going into this with no real experience."</p> <p>As the 2022 Wimbledon finalist continues building fitness and form through exhibition matches, Australian tennis fans will be watching closely to see whether tournament organisers extend a wildcard invitation for the Australian Open, potentially marking a significant moment in Kyrgios' comeback journey.</p>