Kyrgios’s late bid for Wimbledon return
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Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, who has not played a competitive singles match since January, has added the Halle tournament to his European grasscourt schedule as he aims for a possible wild card entry to Wimbledon.
Monday’s announcement by Halle’s organisers comes after Kyrgios was given a wild card to compete in another German grasscourt tournament – Stuttgart’s Boss Open – which runs a week before Halle from June 8-14.
Kyrgios, 30, has struggled for years with a series of wrist and knee injuries but remains a major crowd-puller, despite not having a singles ranking at present.
Halle is a traditional key warm-up event for Wimbledon, and Kyrgios’s participation there and at Stuttgart could boost his chances of a wild card for the grasscourt grand slam.
Wimbledon organisers typically issue eight wild card invitations each year, often on the basis of past performances at the tournament.
Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon final in 2022, losing to Novak Djokovic in four sets.
However, the Australian has played only seven singles matches since January, 2023, and his only such appearance of 2026 was a first round straight sets loss to American Aleksandar Kovacevic in Brisbane in January.
“Nick Kyrgios has been one of the most dazzling personalities in world tennis for years,” Halle tournament organisers said in a statement.
“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 had said earlier this year he would skip the European claycourt season to concentrate on grass tournaments.
Halle will be held between June 13 to 21.
Wimbledon’s initial wild cards will be announced on June 17, with organisers usually reserving other slots to be announced closer to the tournament, which this year begins on June 29.
Reuters