Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios is set to make a long-awaited Grand Slam return at the 2025 US Open, using a protected ranking to gain direct entry into the main draw of the tournament scheduled from August 24 to September 7 in New York.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined for much of the past two years due to persistent injuries, including knee problems and a wrist ligament tear that required surgery. While he had hoped for a full return earlier this season, Kyrgios was forced to pull out of the French Open and missed Wimbledon for the third consecutive year, citing ongoing physical setbacks.
Despite his struggles, Kyrgios remains determined to compete at the highest level. His last singles appearance came in March at the Miami Open, where he defeated Mackenzie McDonald to earn his first tour-level win since 2022. That performance followed an emotional retirement at Indian Wells due to wrist pain and a disappointing early exit at the Australian Open, where he fell to British wildcard Jacob Fearnley.
Now, with the US Open granting him entry via a protected ranking, Kyrgios is eyeing a significant comeback. He is also expected to appear at the ATP 500 event in Washington from July 29 to August 4, where he’ll partner French veteran Gael Monfils in doubles and compete in the singles draw as well.
This year’s US Open promises a strong field, featuring reigning World No. 1s Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, along with 10 former champions and 18 players who have won Grand Slam singles titles. The main draw cut-offs were based on the July 14 ATP and WTA rankings, with the men’s field closing at World No. 101 and the women’s at No. 99.
Among those joining Kyrgios via protected or special rankings are two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova and former World No. 21 Sorana Cirstea. Kyrgios will also compete in the mixed doubles event alongside Naomi Osaka, marking a star-studded pairing in the newly revamped US Open Mixed Doubles Championship starting August 18.
Britain will be well represented, with Jack Draper, Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal, and Jacob Fearnley all earning spots in the main draw based on their current rankings.
