Nick Kyrgios is set to make his return to competitive tennis later this month, with the Australian star announcing his participation in the upcoming Citi Open in Washington. This announcement marks another chapter in a comeback story that has been overshadowed by injuries over the past couple of years.
Kyrgios began his 2025 season on the ATP Tour with high hopes after battling both wrist and knee injuries that severely limited his activity over the past two years, with only one tournament appearance during that time. However, injuries have continued to plague him this year, as evidenced by his retirements in crucial matches—first against Botic van de Zandschulp at the Indian Wells Open and then against Karen Khachanov in Miami.
Despite these setbacks, the 2022 Wimbledon finalist has demonstrated flashes of his former skill, indicating that his talent remains intact. The pressing question, however, is whether he can completely recover from his ongoing wrist issues and return to peak form.
Following his last appearance in Miami, Kyrgios faced further challenges, ultimately withdrawing from the grass-court season due to yet another injury hurdle during his recovery efforts. Yet, his resolve to compete is commendable; many athletes might have thrown in the towel after such a series of misfortunes, but Kyrgios continues to strive for a competitive comeback.
The Citi Open, running from July 21 to July 27, is a tournament Kyrgios knows well, having captured the title twice in previous years. He expressed his enthusiasm for returning: “Hey guys, it’s Nick Kyrgios here. I cannot wait to be returning this summer to DC for the Mubadala Citi DC Open. It’s one of my favorite tournaments. I love the fans, I love the energy, and as a two-time champion, I never feel more comfortable at any other event. So, make sure to get your tickets, and let’s run this back. I can’t wait to see you all.”
The last time he played at this event was during his successful title defense in 2022 when he triumphed over Yoshihito Nishioka shortly after his Wimbledon run.
Kyrgios has become a polarizing figure in tennis due to his fiery demeanor on and off the court, and he has amassed a large and dedicated fan base. His participation in this year’s tournament will likely draw significant crowds eager to see him in action.
The Citi Open is a combined event featuring both ATP and WTA players, and notable names on the women’s entry list include Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina. Adding to the excitement, Venus Williams has announced her return to the WTA Tour after almost 16 months away, accepting a wild card for the event. Now 45 years old and unranked, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is poised to deliver thrilling performances despite the challenges of her advanced age in the sport.
The combination of Kyrgios and Williams enhances what promises to be an exciting tournament in Washington, adding layers of intrigue and anticipation for fans following their respective journeys in professional tennis. Last year’s event notably saw Paula Badosa claiming her first title in over two years, setting a high standard for what is expected in this year’s competition.
