Nick Kyrgios says he only has 18 months of professional tennis left in his body as doubts persist over his playing level at the Australian Open.
The 29-year-old, who has only played one professional match since October 2022, returns from wrist and knee injuries at the World Tennis League in Abu Dhabi on December 19.
Kyrgios will then play at the Brisbane International, commencing on December 28, in preparation for January's Australian Open - which will be his first major since US Open 2022.
However, the Australian has admitted that he is still struggling with his body and revealed he believes his professional career will end in 2026 on the Nothing Major podcast featuring ex-USA stars John Isner and Jack Sock.
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“Every time I play tennis now, I got to do an hour-and-a-half treatment after, like my wrist,” Kyrgios said.
“I lose feeling in my fingers sometimes. It’s tingling, so I’m definitely on the back end.
“I couldn’t see myself playing for another, max, a year-and-a-half, probably.”
The revelation about Kyrgios' body recovery and possible retirement time frame makes it hard to see the Wimbledon 2022 finalist challenge at the Australian Open, which begins January 12.
However, Aussie tennis legend Pat Rafter believes Kyrgios is capable of going deep into the second week at Melbourne Park.
"When I say I have no expectations, I mean I wouldn't be surprised at all if he made it to the quarterfinals or semifinals, but I wouldn't be surprised either if he lost in the first round," Rafter said earlier this month.
