The tennis world has been rocked by two major developments — Nick Kyrgios’ surprise return to Roland Garros after an eight-year absence, and Jannik Sinner’s emphatic demolition of a top rival at the Italian Open.
Kyrgios Announces Comeback at French Open
Nick Kyrgios is set to compete at the French Open for the first time since 2017. The Aussie star, who has battled persistent wrist and knee injuries, has only played four singles matches this year — his last appearance coming at the Miami Open in March, where he claimed a single victory.
Now, Kyrgios has revealed plans to ramp up his match fitness by entering the Stuttgart tournament next week using a protected ranking, before joining Jordan Thompson in the doubles draw at Roland Garros.
Clay has never been Kyrgios’ favored surface, and in past seasons, he’s opted to skip the European clay swing to preserve his body for grass — particularly Wimbledon, where he reached the final in 2022.
But a recent plea from Thompson changed his mind.
“The French Open was never really on the cards,” Kyrgios told The Canberra Times. “But after the stuff with Max Purcell, Jordan was looking for a partner and asked if I wanted to play. We’ve played together there before, so it’ll be fun to get out there again.”
Jannik Sinner Makes Brutal Statement in Rome
Meanwhile, World No.1 Jannik Sinner has sent a clear warning to his rivals at the Italian Open. Making his first appearance since returning from a three-month doping suspension, Sinner obliterated Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud 6-0, 6-1 in one of the most lopsided quarterfinal matches of the season.
Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, had been in strong form after his win in Madrid but was completely overwhelmed by Sinner’s pace and precision. The Italian dropped just one game in the match, marking his 25th consecutive win and 19th straight set this year.
“It’s near as perfect that I’ve witnessed as a player,” said Ruud, who was seen smiling at the changeover in disbelief. “Everything that came off his racket was like a hundred miles an hour. He was everywhere — it felt like playing a wall.”
Sinner, backed by his home crowd in Rome, said the match was a positive step in regaining his top form.
“My goal this week is to understand where my level is, and it has improved day by day,” Sinner said. “One performance doesn’t say everything, but I’m very happy. I moved great. Let’s see what happens in the semifinals.”
If results go his way, Sinner could meet Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster final.
