Atlanta, GA, USA, 25 July 2018 | tennis.com.au

Nick Kyrgios is back at a happy hunting ground – the ATP Atlanta Open.

The Aussie was a champion in 2016 at the hard-court event, which marks the kick-off of the US Open Series.

“I was really looking forward to getting back here,” Kyrgios said.

“I’m in better shape than I was a couple of months ago, that’s for sure.  I’ve stayed injury free (in that time) which was good.

“When you can get tournaments like this that are nice and relaxing but at the same time you’re having a lot of fun and being competitive, they help. I feel confident going into this tournament.”

Kyrgios opens his campaign against qualifier Noah Rubin in the second round; Rubin beat Aussie qualifier, Thanasi Kokkinakis, on Tuesday.

Kyrgios is currently ranked 18th and arrives in Atlanta having won seven of his past 10 matches.

He faces Rubin on Thursday for a place in the quarterfinals.