Nick Kyrgios' chances of making his Olympic Games debut will hinge on how he mentally and physically handles a non-stop tennis bubble, admitting he's unsure if he will play in Tokyo.
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Kyrgios will play his first match outside of Australia in almost 18 months when he meets Ugo Humbert in the opening round at Wimbledon on Tuesday.
He left Canberra last week and has entered the tournament's bio-secure facilities, which restricts players to three support people and limits their movements to reduce the risks of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Kyrgios has largely enjoyed freedom during the global pandemic, remaining in the mostly Covid-free capital since February last year.
He is ranked No.61 in the world, with the top 56 players available earning automatic qualification for the Tokyo Games.
The 26-year-old withdrew from the Australian team in 2016 after an infamous stoush with then-chef de mission Kitty Chiller.
But this time Kyrgios, and every other athlete, will have to weigh up Covid risks and how they think they will cope in a strict Tokyo bubble to compete at the Games.
"I'm not sure at this stage. I'd love to play because I've never been [to an Olympics]," Kyrgios said.
"But some of the restrictions in Japan are ridiculous at the moment. I don't think you can take any of your team with you. Whether that's what I want to do, we'll see. But I'm not even thinking about it.
"I know what I'm getting into. That's why I've got my girlfriend and my best friend coming [to Wimbledon]. I'm keeping a tight-knit team.
"I think it's bullshit we can't take our physios and teams ... but that's just the way it is and I'm not mad about it because Covid comes first."
Wimbledon will be allowed to have crowds of 50 per cent as the UK eases its way out of coronavirus restrictions, while players will all stay in the "minimised risk environment". Players will be fined $26,000 if they burst the Wimbledon bubble.
Kyrgios, who has had his two doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, had to have a Covid test after landing in London and before gaining access to the Wimbledon bubble. He is unsure when he will return to Australia given he will have to complete a two-week stint in hotel quarantine when he comes home.
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Players would usually have up to 15 people in their entourage for a tournament, but all have had to come to grips with changed measures due to the pandemic.
Kyrgios has made a habit of feeding off crowd atmosphere at tournaments - both to his advantage and detriment - and he hopes fans will be in the stands when he plays Humbert.
But he has also been speaking with fellow Australians on tour about the Covid grind and how they have been coping.
"I've been chatting to [Jordan Thompson, John Millman and Matt Reid], I'm excited to see some faces. I can tell they're bored," Kyrgios said.
"If people like John Millman are telling me it's brutal, it's brutal. The guy loves it. I know what I'm in for.
"I definitely feel like there's more I can give to the sport. I've been enjoying my time at home. I was deprived of having a normal life and time with friends and family [when I was on tour].
"But I feel like I'm ready. Nothing bothers me anymore."
Kyrgios has played in just two tournaments in the past 17 months - both in Melbourne earlier this year - and has been hampered by injuries despite his lack of professional match practice.
He did beat Humbert, the world No. 25, in a five-set classic at the Australian Open before being knocked out by Dominic Thiem in the third round.
Kyrgios' ranking has dropped because of his limited tournament play, but his coronavirus comeback and returning to Wimbledon for the 10th time will relaunch his unpredictable career.
"This is my ninth year on the tour. I'm actually a veteran," Kyrgios said with a grin.
"It's not new for me, I know I'll feel comfortable because when I add juniors, this is like my 10th time at Wimbledon. Wimby is the pinnacle of tennis ... you don't want to miss out on that.
"I don't know how much longer I'll play and how many more Wimbledons I'll be able to get to, so I want to go out and I won't take it for granted.
Chris Dutton
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
Chris Dutton has been a sport journalist since 2008, covering rugby union, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer. He has covered World Cups and Olympic Games in print and online. Chris has had a stint as news director, but is back in sport to follow the ups and downs. Email: chris.dutton@canberratimes.com.au
