UPDATE: Nick Kyrgios is set to headline the exciting $1 million MGM Slam exhibition event in Las Vegas on March 1, 2024. This high-stakes tournament comes as Kyrgios works to revive his professional tennis career after a lengthy injury hiatus.
Kyrgios will join an elite line-up including American world No. 6 Taylor Fritz, Norway’s Casper Ruud, Brazil’s Joao Fonseca, French veteran Gael Monfils, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, and Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik. The exhibition will feature a thrilling 10-point tiebreak knockout format, ensuring fast-paced action as players compete for a share of the lucrative prize pool.
After playing only six tour matches in over three years due to knee and wrist injuries, Kyrgios is determined to prove his fitness. Last month, he revealed to AAP that he has recovered and is aiming to compete in the Australian Open and Brisbane International next month.
Kyrgios, a former Wimbledon finalist, is also scheduled for a much-anticipated “Battles of the Sexes” showdown against women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai on December 28, 2023. Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley has indicated that Kyrgios will likely receive a wildcard entry, citing his popularity and ability to draw crowds.
The MGM Slam, now in its third year, has previously hosted notable match-ups, including a showdown between Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka last year, and one of Rafael Nadal‘s final appearances before retirement.
This exhibition event comes at a critical time as the tennis world grapples with growing concerns over the intense tour schedule. Earlier this year, the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA) filed a lawsuit against the ATP and WTA, labeling the calendar “unsustainable.” Yet, the demand for exhibition matches remains strong, with top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz also set to compete in South Korea next month.
As anticipation builds for the MGM Slam, fans are eager to see how Kyrgios performs and if he can reclaim his place in the competitive tennis landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the event date approaches.
