Former world No.3 expects Kyrgios to rise

Nick Kyrgios’s liking for Australian conditions can set him up for a return to the top 20 later next year, former world No.3 Grigor Dimitrov says.

World No.19 Dimitrov, who will soon arrive from California as sixth seed for next week’s Brisbane International, knows all too well the ups and downs of tennis that Kyrgios has experienced this year with a ranking drop from 21 to 35.

“I think he will (have a better year). Sometimes you have to take a couple of steps back to appreciate things,’’ Dimitrov said.

“What a great start to the year it is for him to be in Australia. He has played some of his best tennis there.

“I know how he has put in the work this time of year and how he fires up.”

Kyrgios won the Brisbane International last summer after a three-set semi-final against Dimitrov.

The Bulgarian was however too seasoned for Kyrgios in a four-set rematch two weeks later in the third round of the Australian Open.

Meanwhile, Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis will end a year in which he beat Roger Federer by playing qualifying for the Brisbane International.

The three main draw wildcards for the tournament, which starts on Monday, were awarded to Alex Bolt (ranked No.158), 2017 French Open junior winner Alexei Popyrin (151) and Australian Open wildcard playoffs winner James Duckworth (241).