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'Super excited': Nick Kyrgios announces comeback after tennis hiatus

Nick Kyrgios, pictured here speaking to the media at the Australian Open in 2020.
Nick Kyrgios speaks to the media at the Australian Open in 2020. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Nick Kyrgios has announced his comeback to the ATP Tour, saying he will play the Mallorca Championships in the lead-up to Wimbledon.

Kyrgios hasn't played since the Australian Open in February, opting to skip the entire American hard-court season and current clay-court season.

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But the volatile Aussie will make his comeback at the end of June in the lead-up to Wimbledon.

"Super excited to be coming to Mallorca," Kyrgios said in a video posted to Twitter on Wednesday.

"Grass is my favourite surface.

"To be coming to Spain, Mallorca, I'm super-excited to go there and see what I can do.

"Hopefully, we can create some memories there."

The Mallorca event runs from June 20-26 before Wimbledon starts on June 28.

Interestingly, Mallorca is the home of fierce rival and World No.2 Rafael Nadal, who has somewhat of a chequered history with Kyrgios.

There's no word yet on whether Kyrgios and Nadal will meet up on the Spanish island.

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Kyrgios opted to stay home after the Australian Open due to continued concerns over Covid-19.

After losing to Dominic Thiem at Melbourne Park, Kyrgios admitted he had no interest in playing events where fans weren't allowed.

"I don't know how I'll [play if I] have to quarantine overseas in tournaments," he said.

"For me personally, I'm used to playing in front of packed stadiums.

"I'm not gonna force myself around the world when the time is not right where I have to quarantine for a week and then play.

"I don't know. I'm not too sure what lies head. That's just not me. I just don't think it's right. I'm not gonna force myself to play."

Nick Kyrgios, pictured here in action against Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open.
Nick Kyrgios in action against Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

During his hiatus from the ATP Tour, the 26-year-old has reportedly made a surprise foray into the world of television.

According to the Herald Sun, Kyrgios recently spent several weeks filming for the new series of Australian Ninja Warrior in Sydney.

The tennis star is said to have provided sideline commentary alongside former AFL champion Shane Crawford, a role that had been taken by England cricket great Andrew Flintoff in previous seasons.

"His participation in the show, which was filmed in Sydney last month, was a closely guarded secret but word is he aced it," the Herald Sun reported.

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