‘A long journey’ – Nick Kyrgios ends his 29-month drought with victory in Miami Open
Nick Kyrgios has advanced to the Miami Open second round with his first singles win since October 2022. The Australian fought back to beat Mackenzie McDonald 3-6 6-3 6-4 following various injury struggles in recent years. Kyrgios has made his winning return at the Miami OpenGetty He came from one set down to beat McDonaldGetty Prior to Wednesday’s victory, Kyrgios last won in October 2022 when he beat Kamil Majchrzak in the second round of the Japan Open. He was set to face Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals but withdrew with a knee problem, which came before a challenging 2023. Kyrgios suffered an ankle issue ahead of injuries to his knee and wrist, both of which required surgery. The 29-year-old then announced his return to the tour in November and has finally got back to winning ways at the Miami Open. “It’s been a long journey, even to just get to the start line of matches and be scared to even be able to finish them,” he said after. “But to come off and get a win, and then feel like I belong again, it’s pretty special.” Kyrgios made his return to the court at the World Tennis League in December before appearing at the Brisbane International. He then entered the Australian Open with a protected ranking but lost 6-7 [3-7] 3-6 6-7 [2-7] against Jacob Fearnley in the first round. “Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here,” he reflected during his post-match press conference. Kyrgios made another appearance with a protected ranking when he travelled to Indian Wells earlier this month. Kyrgios has ended his 29-month wait for a winGetty It’s come just two weeks after his emotional exit at Indian WellsGetty Botic van de Zandschulp won 7-6 [9-7] in the opening set of their first round clash and led 3-0 in the second before Kyrgios retired. He was in visible discomfort whilst holding his wrist during a practice session the day before and broke into tears at the end of the match. “I wasn’t too confident that I was going to be able to play today, to be honest,” he said afterwards. “Two days ago in practice I had to stop my practice because I felt pain in my wrist. I felt like it was okay to take the court. “Just got progressively worse… Started feeling sharp pain in my wrist.” Kyrgios faces Karen Khachanov in the next round of the Miami Open, a tournament he has reached the semi-finals of on two occasions. View Tweet: https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Nick Kyrgios has advanced to the Miami Open second round with his first singles win since October 2022.
The Australian fought back to beat Mackenzie McDonald 3-6 6-3 6-4 following various injury struggles in recent years.
Prior to Wednesday’s victory, Kyrgios last won in October 2022 when he beat Kamil Majchrzak in the second round of the Japan Open.
He was set to face Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals but withdrew with a knee problem, which came before a challenging 2023.
Kyrgios suffered an ankle issue ahead of injuries to his knee and wrist, both of which required surgery.
The 29-year-old then announced his return to the tour in November and has finally got back to winning ways at the Miami Open.
“It’s been a long journey, even to just get to the start line of matches and be scared to even be able to finish them,” he said after.
“But to come off and get a win, and then feel like I belong again, it’s pretty special.”
Kyrgios made his return to the court at the World Tennis League in December before appearing at the Brisbane International.
He then entered the Australian Open with a protected ranking but lost 6-7 [3-7] 3-6 6-7 [2-7] against Jacob Fearnley in the first round.
“Realistically I can’t really see myself probably playing singles again here,” he reflected during his post-match press conference.
Kyrgios made another appearance with a protected ranking when he travelled to Indian Wells earlier this month.
Botic van de Zandschulp won 7-6 [9-7] in the opening set of their first round clash and led 3-0 in the second before Kyrgios retired.
He was in visible discomfort whilst holding his wrist during a practice session the day before and broke into tears at the end of the match.
“I wasn’t too confident that I was going to be able to play today, to be honest,” he said afterwards.
“Two days ago in practice I had to stop my practice because I felt pain in my wrist. I felt like it was okay to take the court.
“Just got progressively worse… Started feeling sharp pain in my wrist.”
Kyrgios faces Karen Khachanov in the next round of the Miami Open, a tournament he has reached the semi-finals of on two occasions.
