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The Australian tennis star appears set for little more than a peripheral role during Australia’s summer of tennis, following a brisk, anticlimactic defeat at the Brisbane International. For fans of the 30-year-old, the match was concerning, marking his initial solo match back in almost 10 months.

A One-Sided Return

Kyrgios, who is on the mend from operations, offered little resistance against the U.S. player Kovacevic. Kovacevic, ranked 58 in the world, breezed past the local hope 6-3 6-4 in just over an hour, without facing a single break point.

The contest let down the packed arena, who had hoped that this return to solo tour play since the spring would springboard Kyrgios back to relevance. Conversely, it vindicated the ongoing reluctance of Australian Open officials to award the one-time top-15 player a precious place in the major tournament.

“To be honest, I was expecting a little more than that in terms of adversity today,” the victor stated. “It proved tough to scout him recently because he hasn’t been on tour for a while.”

Clear Signs of Discomfort

Kyrgios was broken twice, and he struggled with his mobility and return. He won just a single point on his opponent’s first serve. A shadow of the player he was at his peak, Kyrgios wore an support, a bandaged wrist, and a plaster on his face. During the match, he winced and looked skywards, clutching at his right elbow in obvious physical discomfort.

His preparation for the summer had been confined to a set of exhibition matches, including a high-profile Battle of the Sexes. His lack of competitiveness on Tuesday seemed to shock his opponent.

Wildcard Worries

Kyrgios was only competing in Brisbane thanks to a wildcard. However, Melbourne tournament directors have held off on granting Kyrgios the same courtesy for the main draw, even as lower-profile countrymen have been afforded places.

With just three wildcards remaining for the men’s singles, there is concern over whether his fitness level warrants an entry. His recent efforts have not shown to prove he is ready for the demands of five-set matches. Last season, he was ousted early and commented that he likely would not himself competing solo there again.

A Potential Pivot

This scenario also presents an unusual opportunity. Tournament organizers have been looking to maximise the appeal of the pre-tournament week, which includes exhibitions and qualifying. A new addition this season is the single-point knockout, a unique contest offering a major prize.

Kyrgios has already committed to this event, but he also informed media he would be prepared to enter Australian Open qualifying if a direct entry was not offered.

A series of his trademark contests in that opening week – even in qualifying rounds – might instantly do what officials have been trying to for years: transform a fortnight of elite tennis into a three-week smorgasbord of competition and showmanship. For a man who is often as famous for his persona as his play, that may be a appropriate lasting impact.