Nick Kyrgios reacts on Instagram after Kooyong Classic win
Photo by William WEST / AFP via Getty ImagesPeter LynchTue, January 13, 2026 at 3:08 PM UTC·2 min read
Nick Kyrgios didn’t waste any time getting back onto the court following a tough start to his 2026 ATP Tour campaign.
After battling injuries throughout 2025, Kyrgios opened the new season in Brisbane by winning a doubles match alongside Thanasi Kokkinakis.
But things didn’t continue in their favour, as the pair dropped their next match at the Brisbane International, with Kyrgios also losing his singles opener.
Still, the seven-time ATP title winner was back in action and entertaining crowds at the Kooyong Classic exhibition tournament.
Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images
After the match, Kyrgios took to Instagram to share his appreciation, posting: “Another opportunity another blessing… you know I had to bring out the Kygs x Kyrie kicks. Thank you Kooyong.”
He came through a tight contest against Zhang Zhizhen, claiming a 6-3, 4-6, [11-9] win in front of the home crowd in Melbourne.
The event also featured several other notable names, including Matteo Berrettini, Frances Tiafoe and Learner Tien.
Kyrgios is now shifting focus to doubles play at the Australian Open, having already decided against pursuing a singles wildcard entry.
Stan Wawrinka has been given a wildcard for what will be his final Australian Open. The Swiss veteran, alongside Australians Jordan Thompson and Chris O’Connell, was among those handed entry.
Kyrgios backed the move, telling SBS: “Someone like Stan, who’s played three or four competitive matches in the United Cup, all at a super high level, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves it.
“And it just wouldn’t be fair of me to have so many doubts physically to go out there and play some of the best players in the world in the best-of-five and not even be sure that I could back up one round.”
The decision makes sense on both sides. Kyrgios was honest about where he stands right now, while Wawrinka is as deserving of a wildcard as anyone could be.
Wawrinka began his farewell season by leading Switzerland to the United Cup final. And it’s hard to forget that he won the Australian Open back in 2014.
He was 28 years old when he pulled off an incredible upset over Rafael Nadal, winning 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
READ MORE: Former Grand Slam finalist pulls out of Australian Open qualifying just before opening match
