Nick Kyrgios has declared himself on track to make amends for his injury-wrecked Wimbledon last year after turning out for a surprise appearance in a low-key grasscourt event in London on Monday.
A relaxed and cheerful Kyrgios said he felt good during a doubles match at the Surbiton International Challenger Tour tournament, where he and American partner Jordan Withrow lost narrowly to Indian pair Siriam Balaji and Vishnu Vardhan.
Earlier this week, the world No.23 had pulled out of the French Open ahead of a first-round clash with former Davis Cup teammate Bernard Tomic.
He says it was the difficult but "more mature" decision needed to ensure the elbow problem in his serving arm that he's struggled with this year did not wreck his Wimbledon campaign.
He moved freely and served well during the 90-minute doubles match.
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"I was serving 100 per cent, and I thought I served really well," said Kyrgios.
"I didn't put myself under any pressure and will play singles in Stuttgart next week."
Last year Kyrgios was forced to retire injured in his first-round clashes at both Queen's then Wimbledon after defying medical advice and playing at the French Open despite a hip problem.
He said this year he was given the same advice by his support staff and reluctantly listened to what they had to say to give himself the best chance to succeed on his favourite surface.
"I couldn't play the clay-court season last year properly because of a hip injury and at Queen's I slipped over and re-injured it and couldn't play Wimbledon," he said.
"I didn't have the chance to play in one of my favourite tournaments last year, but this year I feel pain-free and that is all I can ask for.
"It was massive call not to play in Paris (this year). When I saw my draw, I had the opportunity to do well.
"But I didn't want to put my grass-court season in jeopardy.
"I made a more mature decision this year.
"I had a lot of doctors and medical people telling me it was the smart move."
Kyrgios is once again travelling with his mother, who will spend the next month with him.
He appeared to be in a positive frame of mind, cracking jokes with photographers and ball kids on court and posing for selfies with school children.
"I haven't been in this head space for a while where I am looking forward to going out to training," he said.
"I think playing doubles has helped me enjoy myself again and I am going to stay here for the next few days and practise before going back playing singles again."
