The Australian tennis star seems destined for little more than a peripheral role during Australia’s summer of tennis, following a swift and disappointing loss at the Brisbane International. For his supporters, the match was worrying, marking his initial solo match back in nearly a year.
A Dominant Defeat
The Canberran, who is on the mend from operations, offered little resistance against the U.S. player Kovacevic. The 27-year-old American, sitting at 58th globally, breezed past the Australian in straight sets in just 66 minutes, without giving up a break point opportunity.
The contest let down the packed arena, who had anticipated that this first singles ATP Tour match since the spring would catapult him back into contention. Conversely, it vindicated the ongoing reluctance of Australian Open officials to award the former world No. 13 a precious place in the Melbourne Park grand slam.
“To be honest, I was anticipating greater resistance than that in terms of adversity today,” the victor stated. “It was difficult to analyze his game recently because he has been absent from the circuit for a while.”
Clear Signs of Discomfort
Kyrgios was broken twice, and he struggled with his mobility and return. He won just a single point on his opponent’s first serve. A shadow of the player he was at his zenith, Kyrgios wore an ankle brace, a taped wrist, and a plaster on his face. During the match, he grimaced and glanced up, clutching at his right elbow in clear pain.
His preparation for the season had been limited to a series of exhibitions, including a high-profile cross-gender contest. His lack of competitiveness on Tuesday appeared to surprise even his opponent.
A Question of Entry
The Battle of the Sexes winner was only competing in Brisbane thanks to a special invitation. However, Australian Open organisers have held off on granting Kyrgios the equivalent invitation for the primary field, even as lower-profile countrymen have been given entries.
With just three wildcards still available for the men’s singles, there is debate over whether Kyrgios’ conditioning merits a spot. He has done little to prove he is ready for the demands of five-set matches. Previously, he was ousted early and commented that he likely would not himself playing a singles match there again.
An Unusual Opportunity
But the situation also presents an unusual opportunity. Tournament organizers have been aiming to boost the appeal of the lead-in week, which features exhibitions and qualifying. A new addition this season is the One Point Slam, a unique contest offering significant money.
He has already agreed to that novelty, but he also told journalists he would be willing to try Australian Open qualifying if a main draw wildcard was not offered.
A series of his trademark contests in that opening week – even in qualifying rounds – might instantly do what officials have been attempting long-term: transform two weeks of top-level sport into a longer festival of sport-slash-entertainment. For a man who is often as famous for his persona as his play, that may be a appropriate lasting impact.
