Nick Kyrgios in surprise announcement ahead of US Open quest

Nick Kyrgios has accepted a surprise wildcard into the ATP 1000 Southern & Western Open in a huge boost for his US Open push.

The Wimbledon finalist is currently taking part in the Atlanta Open having signed up for singles and the doubles draw with fellow Aussie Thanasi Kokkinakis.

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However, in the biggest step up in competition before the US Open, the tournament organisers announced Kyrgios had taken a wildcard in Cincinnati.

Kyrgios made the final of the Southern & Western Open in 2017 when he lost to Grigor Dimitrov.

However, the move may surprise some considering he hasn't played since 2019 when he was involved in an ugly meltdown against Russian Karen Kachanov and handed a whopping fine.

Fighting for a spot in the last 16, Kyrgios argued with the chair umpire and was deemed to have committed a number of unsportsmanlike conduct offences.

Kyrgios was eventually fined $113,000 ($AUD 162,000) for a number of offences.

The Aussie was forced to accept a wildcard with his World No.45 ranking falling just outside the automatic qualification spots.

The Southern & Western Open has a strong entry list with World No.1 Daniil Medvedev and 22-time grand slam champ Rafa Nadal expected to play.

Nick Kyrgios teams up with American Jack Sock

In a separate announcement, Kyrgios said he will mix up his doubles partner and play with American Jack Sock at the Washington Open.

Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are taking on French pair Nicolas Mahut and Edouard-Roger-Vasseilin in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.

However, following this tournament, Kyrgios has decided to pair up with his friend and rival.

“It’s happening [and] I am super excited. I love playing with Jack because he is hands down the best player in the world, but at the same time I hate playing with him because there is so much pressure on me because he wins with absolutely anyone he plays with," Kyrgios said.

“But I got that monkey off my back in Lyon [in 2018], we got a title under the belt in Metz. I can tell me grandkids I got a title with the best doubles player in the world.”

Sock returned the compliment after Kyrgios' insane run to the Wimbledon final earlier this month.

“I’ll take it, coming from the guy who just made the crazy run at Wimby, one of the most talented in the world as we know. Probably the most talented basketball player in the world,” Sock said.

“Nick and I gel so well together on the court. On and off the court we have a blast, we have been friends for a long time off the court, starting with video games and here we are.”

The duo have played doubles together on a number of occasions, including the Mutua Open and the Laver Cup.

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