Nick Kyrgios is set to make his long awaited return to men's singles competition after suffering an elbow injury in the weeks prior to the French Open.

The world no. 20 sat out the prestigious tournament on the advice of doctors, which came as a surprise after failing to follow similar advice at last year's tournament.

Announcing the news on his Twitter, Kyrgios said: "Unfortunately I have to withdraw from this year's French Open," the world number 20 wrote.

"Having consulted with my team and medical experts it is deemed too risky for me to step out and potentially play five sets on clay especially as I have not played a singles match in nearly two months.

"I've worked hard to be ready and desperately wanted to play Roland Garros, which is very special to me but I literally ran out of time."

But, the Australian intends to take a more cautious approach this year, unlike in the past.

"I got told not to play the French Open last year and I played it.

"I think I’ve made a more mature decision this time and a lot of people are telling me it’s the right decision. All my medical staff, I saw (several) doctors and they all told me it was a smart move to not play Roland Garros."

Kyrgios, who was supposed to face Bernard Tomic in the first round, admitted: "When I saw my draw I thought I had a massive opportunity to do well."

Kyrgios went on to speak about his expectations for Wimbledon: "I’d love to do well there, I don’t think there’s anything stopping me if I have the right preparation in the next couple of weeks. Right now I’m taking it one day at a time with my rehab.

"I’m in a good place physically and that’s all I can ask for."

More than winning, Kyrgios explained his desire to entertain people: "At the end of the day, people pay to come and see us, we’re entertainers.

"They just want to see exciting tennis. For me, it’s the most important thing, I want to put on a good show."