Kyrgios feared retirement but wins first ATP match since 2022

Posted : 20 March 2025

Nick Kyrgios is gradually regaining his form after a prolonged battle with injuries. The Australian tennis star secured a spot in the second round of the Miami Open, marking his first ATP Tour victory since October 2022. His win over Mackenzie McDonald was a significant milestone, considering he once feared his career might come to an end. However, this recent success has reignited his determination, giving him renewed confidence moving forward.

Reflecting on his journey, Kyrgios acknowledged that he doubted his ability to return to competitive tennis. The former Wimbledon finalist had been sidelined due to persistent knee and wrist injuries, which kept him out of action for nearly two and a half years. His struggles reached a low point when he was forced to withdraw from his first-round match against Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells, visibly emotional as he left the court. However, his latest performance suggests that he is turning a corner.

After his victory, Kyrgios openly shared his emotions about his comeback. "To be completely honest, I thought my career was over," he admitted. He credited his team for standing by him throughout the difficult period, as they made sacrifices to support his recovery. There were moments of uncertainty, where he questioned whether he could continue, but his recent win has provided a much-needed boost. Despite the progress, he remains cautious, acknowledging that his wrist will need to be monitored closely.

Kyrgios' road to recovery has been anything but easy, as he had played only a handful of singles matches since the 2022 Japan Open. At that tournament, he managed to defeat Tseng Chun-hsin and Kamil Majchrzak before being unable to compete in his third-round match against Taylor Fritz. His struggles continued into the 2024 Australian Open, where he suffered a straight-sets defeat to Jacob Fearnley in the opening round, marking another setback in his journey.

Despite these challenges, Kyrgios has now managed to participate in consecutive tournaments, a promising sign that he is shaking off the rust. He acknowledged that his game is gradually improving, particularly his return play. However, he admitted that his serve still requires adjustment, as he is taking unnecessary risks. Improving his first-serve percentage will be crucial to sustaining his comeback and competing against top-tier opponents.

Looking ahead, Kyrgios is set to face Karen Khachanov, a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, in the second round of the Miami Open. The Russian, who is seeded 22nd in the tournament, will pose a tough challenge. However, Kyrgios remains optimistic about his chances, believing that each match is helping him regain his rhythm. A strong performance could further solidify his return to the ATP circuit.

While the road ahead remains uncertain, Kyrgios' latest victory serves as a testament to his resilience. Overcoming self-doubt and physical setbacks, he has taken a significant step forward in his career. His determination to compete at the highest level once again will be tested in the coming rounds, but for now, his journey back to form is gaining momentum.

Kyrgios feared retirement but wins first ATP match since 2022

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