Nick Kyrgios Uncertain About Continuing Miami Open Run Despite Long-Awaited Win
Nick Kyrgios has hinted that his Miami Open journey might be short-lived, even after securing his first victory in more than two years. The former world No. 13 overcame a slow start to defeat qualifier Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday, just days after breaking down in tears following his injury retirement at Indian Wells.
The Australian has battled persistent knee and wrist injuries, spending two years on the sidelines and even questioning whether he would return to professional tennis. While his long-awaited win in Miami has provided some much-needed motivation, Kyrgios admitted he has to be “realistic” about his wrist’s condition heading into his next match.
Kyrgios’ Comeback Journey
Kyrgios struggled in his initial return to the tour in January, suffering first-round losses at the Brisbane International and Australian Open. He then withdrew from competition until Indian Wells, where he was forced to retire in the opening round while trailing Botic van de Zandschulp by a set and a break.
Despite those setbacks, the 29-year-old bounced back in Miami, securing his first win since October 2022. He is now set to face Karen Khachanov in a rematch of their intense 2022 US Open quarterfinal, which the Russian won. However, Kyrgios has raised concerns about whether he will be able to take the court.
Kyrgios: “I Don’t Know How Long I Can Keep Doing This”
Following his hard-fought win against McDonald, Kyrgios expressed both relief and uncertainty about his future in the tournament.
“I thought I’d never play tennis again, to be brutally honest with you,” he revealed. “That was the way it was going.”
He shared the emotional toll of his recovery, acknowledging the sacrifices his team has made to support his comeback.
“I’ve had conversations with my camp, my team—guys who are leaving their families to be here with me. I was like, ‘Look, I don’t know how long I can keep doing this for.’”
While the victory reignited some of his passion for the sport, he remains cautious about his wrist. “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.”
Recovery Still a Concern
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kyrgios reiterated his uncertainty: “It’s never pain-free. Playing an hour and a half against a top player, I don’t know how it’s going to pull up tomorrow.”
He emphasized that his immediate priority is recovery, saying, “I’ll do everything I can. You know how it goes—recovery now, nice dinner, get to the physio, get some sleep, and see how it pulls up.”
Kyrgios underwent what he described as a “full wrist reconstruction” in September 2023, requiring months of rehab before he could even start hitting again. Now, as he tests his body at the highest level, the next 24 hours will be crucial in determining whether he can continue in Miami.
