Nick Kyrgios says he is unsure whether he will be fit enough to compete at the Australian Open after his first singles match in 18 months left him in “throbbing” pain.

The 29-year-old Australian feared he would not be able to resume his career following surgery on a wrist injury in September 2023.

After making his competitive comeback in the Brisbane doubles alongside Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios returned to the singles court on Tuesday with a narrow defeat by huge-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.

Kyrgios showed plenty of positive signs as he was edged out 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) by the 21-year-old Frenchman.

But there was also concern as he had treatment on the right wrist where he ruptured the scapholunate ligament and needed reconstructive surgery.

“After today I’m super excited for the Australian Open. If I’m able to play, I’m able to play. But the reality kind of set in for me,” said Kyrgios.

“That’s a best-of-three match with my wrist. If I’m able to [play], not only is a Grand Slam mentally really draining, it’s physically a grind.

“I think I almost need a miracle, and I need, like, the stars to align for my wrist to hold up in a Grand Slam for sure.”

The Australian Open in Melbourne starts on 12 January.