Kyrgios battles back to claim first win since 2022 at Miami Open

MIAMI: Nick Kyrgios secured his first victory in nearly 17 months, overcoming Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the Miami Open on Wednesday. The win marks a crucial step in the Australian’s comeback after a long injury layoff.

Kyrgios, who retired from his Indian Wells opener earlier this month due to wrist pain, showed visible relief after sealing the match, looking skyward and taking a deep breath.

“It has been a long journey even to get to the start line of matches and be scared to even be able to finish them,” he told Tennis TV. “So to come in and get a win and feel like I belong again, it’s pretty special.”

After a sluggish start in the humid Miami conditions, Kyrgios found his rhythm in the second set, dominating on serve to level the match. In the deciding set, a well-executed drop shot helped him earn a crucial break point, which he converted when McDonald double-faulted.

The victory is Kyrgios’ first since October 2022 and offers hope for a strong run in Miami as he continues his return to the ATP Tour.(Reuters)