"I think now is my time to play": Nick Kyrgios hints at grass-court return

Nick Kyrgios appears to be on track for a return to competition on grass, starting with ATP events at Stuttgart and Mallorca.

The 26-year-old Australian took Dominic Thiem to five sets in the third round of the Australian Open but hasn't played since, citing travel concerns and restricted crowds at events. He also did not play for most of 2020.

But at a recent promotional appearance at an NBA basketball event in Sydney, the former Top 15 player has indicated that he is now getting set to return.

"I think now is my time to play. I’ve had time to rest, regroup and see my family so now it is time to do what I do best," Kyrgios told News Corp.

He has also said he plans to play Stuttgart, calling it ''one of my favorite'' grass tournaments, with organizers confirming that he is among the participants.

The ATP event is being played during the second week of the French Open, and Kyrgios has withdrawn from the clay-court Grand Slam.

Next could be the grass event Queen's Club, where Kyrgios is entered but a spot away from getting into the field. He is also scheduled to play the following week at Mallorca.

"Super excited to be coming to Mallorca," said Kyrgios in a statement. "Grass is my favorite surface."

That would be a potentially busy schedule before Wimbledon, which has been the site of some memorable performances during his up-and-down career.

Kyrgios is No. 56 in the rankings.