Nick Kyrgios is yet to play a competitive tennis match in 2023, but with the French Open around the corner, could we see the Australian return to the court?
The world No. 26 struggled with a number of injuries late last year – including knee and ankle concerns – which led to him withdrawing from the Australian Open in January.
The Sporting News takes a look at Kyrgios’ status ahead of Roland-Garros.
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Will Nick Kyrgios play at the French Open?
As it stands, there is no confirmation that Kyrgios will feature at Roland-Garros.
His likely lack of match fitness and clay court preparation means that his participation is considered unlikely.
Kyrgios will play Danish star Holger Rune in an exhibition match in Copenhagen on May 24, but that leaves just four days before the start of the French Open.
The lack of news regarding his participation suggests he has performed a backflip on his initial plans, with the Australian appearing keen to return to the tournament after a six-year hiatus.
“Next year I am going to go to Paris. I’m announcing that now, I’m going to the French Open,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald late last year.
“I haven’t played that in four years so I’ll be back next year.
“My girlfriend just wants to see Paris. I mean, I’ll play the French Open as well.”
These comments were made despite his prior public criticism of the clay surface at Roland-Garros.
“Get rid of the clay, man,” Kyrgios said at Wimbledon in 2019.
“Who likes the clay? It is so bad … the French Open sucks compared to this place. Sucks. Absolutely sucks.”
In April, he confirmed his participation in September’s Laver Cup via Instagram but has not shared any French Open-related hints on social media.
Will Nick Kyrgios be seeded at the French Open this year?
If Nick Kyrgios does opt to play at Roland-Garros, he will likely be seeded.
Currently, he is ranked as the world No. 26 but does risk dropping down due to his lack of appearances on the court.
He will need to remain in the top 32 ranked players to be seeded for the French Open.
When did Nick Kyrgios last play tennis?
He was most recently in action at the World Tennis League exhibition event in December 2022.
His last grand slam tournament appearance was a quarter-final loss to Karen Khachanov at the US Open earlier that year.
What is Nick Kyrgios’ record at the French Open?
The French Open is currently Kyrgios’ least successful Grand Slam tournament.
Kyrgios has never made it past the third round from five attempts, winning five and losing five matches at Roland-Garros to date.
While he holds a similar record at the US Open, the Aussie notably reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows last year.
| Year | French Open result |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Second round |
| 2014 | First round |
| 2015 | Third round |
| 2016 | Third round |
| 2017 | Second round |
Nick Kyrgios’ last French Open match and result
Kyrgios’ most recent French Open run now dates back to 2017.
Entering as the 18th seed, Kyrgios trumped Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets to begin his campaign.
He began his second round match against Kevin Anderson in style before crumbling and consequently losing the match 5-7 6-4 6-1 6-2.
Kyrgios’ preparation for the tournament was rocked by the passing of his grandfather and he admitted it left him in a bad place to compete.
“After my grandpa passing, I just lost a lot of motivation to do anything, really,” Kyrgios said at the time.
“When I was back home, it was tough. I mean, I can’t talk about it. I can’t.”
When is French Open 2023?
The main draw at Roland-Garros begins on May 28 and runs until June 11, which is the day of the men’s final.
Qualifying will be held between May 22 and 26.
The French Open 2023 will feature 20 events and 891 matches at Paris’ famous Stade Roland-Garros.