After a long and grueling battle with injuries, Nick Kyrgios is finally a winner again on the ATP Tour. The Australian, who has spent the past two years recovering from wrist, knee, and foot issues, fought back from a set down against Mackenzie McDonald to claim a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 win—his first since 2022.
For Kyrgios, this moment was more than just a win. It was a statement that he still belongs in professional tennis.
“It’s been a long journey,” he admitted after the match. “There were times when I didn’t think I’d ever play again. To come off and get a win, to feel like I belong again—it’s pretty special.”
The 29-year-old’s return to the court has been anything but smooth. His 2023 season was marred by surgery and setbacks, and earlier this month, he suffered an emotional withdrawal from Indian Wells due to persistent wrist pain. The sight of Kyrgios leaving the court in tears sparked speculation about whether he would ever compete at the highest level again.
Despite the doubts, Kyrgios remained determined. Backed by his team and support system, he pushed forward, even as uncertainty loomed.
“I’ve had tough conversations with my team,” Kyrgios revealed. “They’ve sacrificed so much, and I kept telling them, ‘I don’t know how much longer I can keep doing this.’”
But in Miami, Kyrgios showed that his fight isn’t over yet.
The match against McDonald didn’t start well for Kyrgios, as he dropped the first set and struggled to find his rhythm. However, he gradually settled in, unleashing his signature powerful serve and finishing the match with 13 aces. As McDonald’s final return sailed long, the relief on Kyrgios’ face was unmistakable.
“This puts a bit more petrol in the tank,” he said, acknowledging the confidence boost from the victory. “But I have to be realistic. I’ll see how my wrist holds up tomorrow.”
The Australian now faces a tough second-round challenge against No. 22 seed Karen Khachanov. While his long-term future remains uncertain, one thing is clear—Nick Kyrgios isn’t done yet.
