Nick Kyrgios handed Halle wildcard as Wimbledon finalist targets grass-court comeback

By SABC Sport
20th April 2026

Nick Kyrgios is set for a return to competitive action on grass, with the Australian confirmed for the Halle Open in June as he continues his comeback from a long spell of injuries and limited appearances on tour.

The 30-year-old, a former Wimbledon finalist, has not played a consistent run of singles tennis since early 2023 and has struggled with persistent wrist and knee issues that have disrupted his career. His most recent competitive outing came at the Brisbane International in January 2026, where he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Aleksandar Kovacevic.

Despite his absence from the rankings and the tour's regular rhythm, Kyrgios remains one of the sport's biggest draws. Tournament organisers in Halle welcomed his inclusion, highlighting both his unique playing style and his ability to attract attention beyond tennis.

"Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most dazzling personalities in world tennis for years," the organisers said. "The Australian is known for his exceptional playing style, characterised by one of the best serves on the tour, spectacular winners, and great creativity. At the same time, his emotional personality and charisma attract considerable attention far beyond the sport."

Kyrgios has been handed a wildcard for the tournament, which runs from June 13 to 21 and serves as a key warm-up event for Wimbledon, which begins on June 29. His participation in Halle follows another wildcard entry into the Stuttgart Boss Open the week before, forming part of a planned grass-court schedule as he skips the clay season entirely.

That decision is aimed at managing his fitness and maximising his chances of returning to full competitive form on his preferred surface. It also places him in contention for a Wimbledon wildcard, with the All England Club traditionally awarding eight invitations based on past achievements and profile, among other factors.

Kyrgios' connection with Wimbledon remains significant after his run to the final in 2022, where he lost to Novak Djokovic in four sets but showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. Since then, however, his appearances have been sporadic, with just a handful of singles matches played over the past few seasons.