'JOKING' OR REAL POSSIBILITY? DJOKOVIC HINTS WHEN KYRGIOS WILL RETURN

396 days since Nick Kyrgios last appeared in a competitive match, the former Wimbledon finalist could be set to return for the final Grand Slam of the year, according to Novak Djokovic.

The pair have put their past animosity for one another to rest, now close friends who have been hitting the practice courts at the All England Club over the past fortnight.

Kyrgios, who has struggled to shake off a persisting wrist injury that required surgery as well as undergoing the knife on his knee after the 2022 US Open, has been unable to confirm a date regarding a potential comeback.

Tasked with lending a hand to Djokovic as he prepares to chase Roger Federer's record of eight Wimbledon titles, the 24-time Grand Slam champion shared what the Canberran said to him during their session.

"I can tell you yesterday when we practised, he (Kyrgios) hit a really good serve, and he said, 'Well, I might come back at the US Open,'" said Djokovic, who defeated Kyrgios two years ago in the Wimbledon final. "So I don't know if he was joking about it or not, but let me tell you, he's hitting the ball as good as ever.

"He's so talented. He's so good with his tennis. I think he said that the wrist bothers him mostly with the serve, but he's been increasing the load and the intensity and the speed.

"I hope he can come back, personally, and I think everyone in tennis hopes he can come back quickly because we definitely need him on the tour."

While on commentary duty for the BBC network during the semi-final between Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti, the 29-year-old admitted he is eager to feel the adrenaline rush again.

"I love being here and watching it and analysing it, but I do miss being out there. You know, the rush it brings," he said.

"I want to give the fans something to remember, whether it's good or bad.

"Physically I'm good. I had a two-hour practice this morning. I've been hitting with Novak every other day, so it's been good. Everything's going well."

Unranked since October last year, Kyrgios has the option to redeem his protected ranking allowance to enter the biggest tournaments.