MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Nick Kyrgios won a match for the first time in nearly two and a half years on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the Miami Open. This victory was not just a sporting win; it symbolized a significant return for the Australian tennis player, who has faced numerous setbacks due to injuries.
The former world No. 13, who once reached the Wimbledon finals, revealed that his journey back to the court has been anything but easy. After enduring a two-year hiatus due to persistent knee and wrist injuries, Kyrgios was teetering on the brink of retirement, unsure if he could keep playing at a professional level. “I thought I’d never play tennis again, to be brutally honest with you. That was going that way,” he confessed after his comeback win, highlighting the emotional toll his injuries have taken on him.
Kyrgios's path back to the Miami courts was marked by physical pain and emotional trials. Following his surgery—a full wrist reconstruction in September 2023—he faced an uphill battle during his rehabilitation and resumed competitive play in January 2025. However, it wasn’t smooth sailing; he suffered early exits at both the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. His first-round match at Indian Wells only compounded the frustration as he had to retire while trailing Botic van de Zandschulp due to wrist pain just days before he stepped onto the Miami stage.
The win over McDonald was significant, having not won a match since October 2022, when he beat Kamil Majchrzak. With 13 aces under his belt during this match, Kyrgios didn’t just secure a victory; he sent a poignant message to the tennis world about his determination to return. “This puts a bit more petrol in the tank, but I’ve got to be realistic. I’ll see how my wrist pulls up tomorrow. It is a grind out here,” he stated, evoking a sense of humility amid his triumph.
As he prepares to face Russian Karen Khachanov in a highly anticipated rematch, Kyrgios knows he has to be cautious with his wrist. This upcoming challenge is notable as it brings back memories of their last meeting at the US Open, two and a half years ago. Kyrgios is well aware of Khachanov’s capabilities, having faced him in previous tense encounters. “We pretty much grew up together through juniors,” Kyrgios mused. “He’s an insane workhorse. So professional. Always shows up—pretty much the opposite of what I do.”
However, the road ahead for Kyrgios remains uncertain. Despite the majesty of his comeback, the athlete’s physical condition demands constant attention as he reconstructs his career piece by piece. With his ranking plummeting to 892 and having started the year with an 0-3 record, these returns to form raise the question: can Kyrgios maintain his momentum despite nagging injuries?
In addition to his struggles on the court, Kyrgios has been actively involved in the legal landscape of professional tennis. He is one of the plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit initiated by the Professional Tennis Players' Association (PTPA), which has accused the sport's governing bodies of monopolistic practices and neglecting player welfare. This adds another layer of complexity to his career as he advocates for systemic change in the sport.
His triumph reverberates beyond individual wins; it carries a narrative of resilience that resonates with many. As Kyrgios stated, “It’s been a long journey… to come off and get a win and then feel like I belong again is pretty special.” This beautiful blend of personal struggle and professional success could inspire countless fans and aspiring athletes who face their own challenges.
Kyrgios is not standing alone on this journey. Fellow Australian player Kimberly Birrell also made headlines by winning her match against Anastasia Potapova, joining Kyrgios in the next round. Birrell's victory, however, was hard earned, having to battle from a set down and save a match point, ultimately winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). This victory places her among the last Australian representatives in the women's draw as she progresses to face Marta Kostyuk.
Amid all these developments, Kyrgios's resilience will continue to be tested on and off the court. As fans rally behind him, the hope is that this comeback narrative unfolds positively, providing another chapter in the ongoing saga of his tennis career. The Miami Open may be just the start of something profound for Kyrgios, a pivotal moment where physical pain meets the glory of perseverance.
