Nick Kyrgios has hit highest ranking in eight months after a three-tournament run restored his top-100 standing.
The Greek Australian tennis star started the Indian Wells Masters in early March as the world No.132 but rose 17 spots to No.77 in the newest rankings.
Kyrgios’ quarter-final run at Indian Wells, including a straight-sets defeat of eighth-ranked Casper Ruud, preceded him making the last 16 in Miami and the semi-finals in Houston last week.
He received a wildcard into all three events because of his lowly ranking but will hope to remain in double digits by the time he returns to the tour for Wimbledon and the grass-court season in June.
The Houston tournament will be Kyrgios’ sole appearance on clay this year as he prepares to sit out the French Open as he returns to Australia to be with family
Speaking to reporter Blair Henley ahead of the American clay event, Kyrgios said “next year I am going to go to Paris. I’m announcing that now, I’m going to the French Open.
“I haven’t played that in four years (this year being the fifth) so I’ll be back next year.
“My girlfriend just wants to see Paris. I mean, I’ll play the French Open as well,” he laughed.
Kyrgios may have featured this year if he had not already decided to return to Australia.
Speaking about his return home, Kyrgios said “we already decided to go home and have that time. We’re just working towards that.
“Time at home is crucial because the next trip is for three months and the time at home is so valuable.
“Especially being from Australia, you get homesick very quickly and we’re both very family-orientated, so we have to make sure that circle remains tight.”