Nick Kyrgios, Jack Sock, and Sam Querrey were given wild cards into the upcoming BNP Paribas Open on Friday.
Kyrgios has played sparingly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, which leaves him at No. 134 in the rankings and in need of a wild card for direct entry into just about any tournament on the ATP Tour. The 26-year-old Aussie finally has some semblance of momentum after capturing a surprise Australian Open doubles title with Thanasi Kokkinakis.
“BACK ON THE ROAD,” Kyrgios posted on Instagram earlier this week. “BLESSED… [LET’S] MAKE SOME MORE MEMORIES”.
Kokkinakis left a comment on the post saying, “Dubs” followed by side-eyes emoji.
Sock, one of Kyrgios’ best friends on tour, is another injury-plagued talent who has racked up most of his success in doubles over the past four years. The 29-year-old American is down at No. 130 in the world in singles. He is a two-time Indian Wells doubles champion, having lifted the trophy in 2015 (with Vasek Pospisil) and 2018 (with John Isner).
Querrey is a California native who won the now-defunct Los Angeles ATP 250 three times. The 34-year-old reached the Indian Wells singles quarterfinals in 2018. He has fallen outside of the top 100 (currently 115th), thus requiring a wild card.
Andy Murray, who made news again on Friday when it was announced that he has rejoined forces with coach Ivan Lendl, was awarded the first main-draw wild card earlier this week. The 34-year-old Scot finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2009 BNP Paribas Open but has never won the title.
Main-draw action on the women’s side begins next Wednesday, with the men’s tournament following on Thursday.
who ya got?
all 3 of those guys will help sell tickets….good choices.
Querrey?
Sock has a good game for IW conditions.
Excited to see how the “new kids on the block do.” But very disappointed to see Zverev’s name up there. Just a fine then!