BRISBANE, Dec 31, (V7N) - Nick Kyrgios admitted he will need "a miracle" to compete at the upcoming Australian Open after his comeback singles match ended in a nail-biting loss at the Brisbane International.

Returning after an 18-month injury layoff, Kyrgios fell to French rising star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a tight 7-6 (7/2), 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3) encounter. Mpetshi Perricard’s 36 aces proved decisive in the nearly three-hour battle.

Despite the loss, Kyrgios, 29, remained upbeat about his performance. “It was a great match, considering I hadn’t played in 18 months,” said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. However, he acknowledged the unpredictability of his wrist recovery following reconstruction surgery, describing his current condition as “experimental.”

Scheduled to compete in the Australian Open on January 12, Kyrgios expressed doubt about his ability to endure the physical demands of a Grand Slam. “I almost need a miracle… for my wrist to hold up,” he admitted.

Jasmine Paolini delivered another commanding performance to propel Italy into the United Cup quarter-finals, demolishing France’s Chloe Paquet 6-0, 6-2 at Ken Rosewall Arena.

Paolini, ranked world number four, has started her 2025 season in blistering form, following up a dominant win over Belinda Bencic with another emphatic victory. The 28-year-old Italian, who had a stellar 2024 season highlighted by runner-up finishes at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, looks poised for a deep Australian Open run.

“I was happy with my performance and focused all the time,” said Paolini. “Everything worked pretty well.”

Teammate Flavio Cobolli also impressed, battling back to upset French world number 14 Ugo Humbert 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-2. Cobolli, 22, saved a match point and showcased his resilience to clinch the tie.

The United Cup quarter-final lineup is shaping up, with Poland set to face the Czech Republic and Britain taking on Australia. In Perth, Coco Gauff's United States could secure the final slot if they overcome Croatia, with defending champions Germany awaiting Kazakhstan.

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