Nick Kyrgios wants to "put on a show" in Melbourne return

The 'Nick Kyrgios show' will be back on court the first week of the season—the 26-year-old Aussie has taken a wild card into the ATP 250 warm-up event at Melbourne two weeks before the Australian Open.

The entertaining but unpredictable Kyrgios is known for his spectacular shot-making and sometimes unruly behavior, but has played few events this season and been off the tour since the Laver Cup in September. But he says he has now spent a couple of months training in the gym and hitting with other Aussie players as he aims to return for a new stretch of Australian events.

"Obviously, I’m excited to play at home," Kyrgios told News Corp. "Tennis Australia has done a great job getting things together.

"Giving me a wild card is awesome—I’ll do my best to put on a show for the fans."

Kyrgios also talks about why he likes putting on a show. In 2016, he reached the Top 15 by winning tournaments in Marseille, Atlanta and Tokyo, and has also reached the Australian Open quarterfinals and played some memorable matches on tour—including a five-setter against Dominic Thiem at the Australian Open this season.

Yet, he says, it has also been tough for him to find motivation during his career.

"I don't really play for myself anymore,'' said Kyrgios, speaking in a video interview with the Australian Open. "I obviously have my NK Foundation, but I just play for everyone, all the kids and everyone, who you know, kind of lacks confidence, who is very insecure. I can relate to that as a young kid growing up. I was a bit overweight.

"I definitely feel when I'm playing, I'm playing for a lot of people, that I'm very relatable. I just play and I try to give people hope and inspire [them] to just go and be comfortable in your own skin."

Kyrgios is No.93 in the rankings.