Novak Djokovic Welcomes Nick Kyrgios’ Return at the 2025 Miami Open
Novak Djokovic is thrilled to see Nick Kyrgios back in action at the 2025 Miami Open, celebrating the Australian’s long-awaited return to winning ways earlier this week.
Kyrgios Ends 896-Day ATP Winless Streak
On Wednesday morning (AEDT), Kyrgios secured his first ATP Tour victory in 896 days, defeating Mackenzie McDonald in a hard-fought three-set battle. The win marked a significant milestone in his comeback following a prolonged injury layoff.
Djokovic, speaking on Friday, shared his happiness for Kyrgios, saying:
“I saw him today in the locker room. I congratulated him, I was glad for him because he’s had injuries and was absent from the tour. We know all the struggles.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion praised Kyrgios’ talent, emphasizing that his tennis ability has never been in doubt:
“I don’t think that’s ever an issue, the quality of tennis — he has it in his hands. It’s just a matter of him being healthy, staying healthy, and injury-free.”
Djokovic’s Efforts to Help Kyrgios Stay Fit
Earlier in the season, Djokovic partnered with Kyrgios in doubles at the Brisbane International, where he attempted to influence the Aussie’s training habits.
“I tried, when we played doubles in Brisbane earlier this year, to draw him into some of my warm-up and cool-down routines,” Djokovic revealed.
However, the Serbian star’s rigorous approach didn’t quite resonate with Kyrgios:
“Every time he saw me before the match, I’d be in the gym for an hour, warming up every muscle in my body. I would chase him down and try to bring him over, but he would be running away, saying that’s not for him.”
Djokovic believes this could explain Kyrgios’ frequent injuries but hopes he can now stay healthy:
“That’s maybe part of the reason why he’s been injured so much. I really do wish that he stays injury-free.”
Kyrgios Faces Tough Test Against Khachanov
Despite his return to form, Kyrgios faces an uphill battle in Miami. Tennis betting sites list him as a $3 underdog for his second-round clash against No.22 seed Karen Khachanov.
Djokovic, meanwhile, is looking to bounce back from his own injury woes, having withdrawn from the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.
Despite this setback, bookmakers still rate the World No.1 as a strong contender in Miami, with odds of $5.50, placing him alongside Alexander Zverev on the second line of outright betting.
Kyrgios, however, remains a long shot, paying $151 at Bet365 to win the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
Can the Aussie wildcard continue his resurgence, or will Khachanov bring his Miami campaign to an early end?
