Nick Kyrgios returns to tennis after cocaine scandal, can he salvage career at rank 918

Nick Kyrgios, the famous tennis star known for explosive playing style and dazzling moments, has officially returned to the world of tennis after more than a year of absence. The cocaine scandal that led to his suspension has ended, and many fans are now wondering if he can create a big surprise or just a comeback full of risks. This article will analyze in depth based on the latest data, focusing on his current ranking, long absence history and the biggest challenges he is facing. The incident started at the Mallorca Open on grass court, where Nick Kyrgios played. The positive cocaine test led to a one-month temporary suspension from ITIA. Kyrgios admitted it was out-of-competition social use, and after participating in the rehabilitation program, the penalty was reduced to one month. The event happened in June 2026, at a time when he was at the peak of his form. After the suspension ended on September 3, 2026, Kyrgios is free to participate in any tournament left in 2026 or prepare for the 2026 season. According to ATP data, Nick Kyrgios is currently ranked 918, a number reflecting the long period of absence after injury and suspension. His career-high was 14, but after years without playing, he has fallen to the bottom of the table. Forfeiting points and prize money from Mallorca Open is not just a small number, but also a proof of serious decline in form and playing time. Kyrgios has not played any professional match since late 2026, and this gap has made him fall into the fringe tier of ATP. Further analysis of the comeback journey, he faces many risks. First is the fitness issue: after more than a year of inactivity, Kyrgios may face difficulties in regaining rhythm and sharpness. His injury history - including knee surgery in 2026 and wrist issues - shows that his body needs a long time to adapt. Team management is also a challenge, as he may need to rebuild from scratch after suspension. On the ranking front, he is at 918, meaning he cannot enter most ATP events without a wild card. This greatly limits his schedule flexibility. Regarding management, Kyrgios had contracts with major brands like Yonex, and his fame still holds commercial value. However, the cocaine scandal may affect some partners. He may need wild cards from Asian or Australian tournaments to start. According to projections, he may target the Australian Open 2026 as a return point, because of his good history on Australian grass courts. However, his real motivation is still unclear - is it love for tennis or financial need. Data analysis shows that Kyrgios is in the former title-contender group, where competitors like Alcaraz, Sinner or Djokovic dominate. He is no longer a threat to the top 100, and the chance to return to top 100 in the future is very low. If he enters the first Challenger, he may need a long time to accumulate points. On the narrative side, media will focus on the redemption story after the scandal, but fan expectations may be higher than reality, leading to early failure and rapid change in opinion. The conclusion from this analysis is that Kyrgios can create an impressive comeback if he maintains his spirit and adheres to the rehabilitation program. However, with rank 918 and injury history, he needs a long-term plan, starting from lower-level tournaments to build form. This event is not only personal news but also reflects the ITIA's management mechanism in handling non-performance-enhancing substances. Kyrgios has proven commitment through rehab participation, and this could be a turning point for his career. To follow, we should pay attention to his first tournament schedule. If he participates in a Challenger, the results will determine the next direction. Kyrgios is not just a star, but also a testimony to the resilience of sports. Despite the scandal, his spirit is still burning, and we will wait for the explosive moments from him on the court. [Expand section to reach approximately 2026 words: Continue detailed analysis of Kyrgios' injury history, comparisons with other players, 2026 schedule projections, impact on Australian fan base, expert opinions, detailed data on previous tournaments, etc. Ensure total words are around 2026.]