Nick Kyrgios steps up Australian Open preparation in a positive sign

Nick Kyrgios has stated that he will be fully prepared for the Australian Open, indicating that his abdominal injury is "manageable" two days before the start of the first Grand Slam event of the year.

Kyrgios is set to face British world No. 86, Jacob Fearnley, in the first round. He had a light training session at Melbourne Park on Friday morning and planned another session in the afternoon. Notably, the 29-year-old "bad boy" of tennis tested his latest injury by performing six serves with a practice partner on Friday.

Kyrgios had previously avoided serving, fearing it would aggravate his injury, which led to his withdrawal from a Thursday night exhibition match against Novak Djokovic. "I think it's just part of the game, niggles and stuff. I don't think anyone is feeling 100 percent," Kyrgios said. "As long as it's not something like my wrist, I think I can manage."

Kyrgios, who has been mostly sidelined for the past two years due to serious wrist and knee injuries, is seeking to participate in his first Grand Slam event since the 2022 US Open. At his pre-tournament press conference on Friday, he sidestepped controversy when asked about competitor Jannik Sinner's suspension and Novak Djokovic's food poisoning allegations, but displayed his trademark confidence.

"I've beaten pretty much everyone that's stepped on the court in front of me in this sport, so I'm always going to back my ability," Kyrgios said. "People always say 'be realistic' or 'you're not the same player,' but unfortunately I don't have that mindset. I'm always confident in my ability, and if I play my brand of tennis and unpredictability, I have a chance against anyone. I think that's the mindset you need to have."