In a surprising turn of events, Nick Kyrgios, the Australian tennis sensation, was spotted practicing on the courts of the Miami Open with an unusual partner – a young girl. This comes amidst speculations about Kyrgios’ participation in the tournament due to the wavering state of his wrist.
The tennis star has been battling a wrist injury that forced him to retire in the initial round of the Indian Wells Masters 1000 just a fortnight ago. Despite the debilitating pain, Kyrgios remained unsure about his ability to compete in the distinguished Florida tournament. The uncertainty stemmed from his inability to predict the progression of his condition.
Kyrgios, a native of Canberra, has a deep-seated affinity for the Miami Open. His fondness for the tournament is rooted in his stellar performance in 2017 when he advanced to the semifinals. The tournament was then hosted at the iconic Key Biscayne venue. In a thrilling showdown against Roger Federer during a night session, Kyrgios nearly secured his spot in the final. The two tennis powerhouses delivered an unforgettable game, leaving spectators awestruck. However, the 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer edged out Kyrgios in the decisive tiebreak.
Kyrgios’ career trajectory has seen a significant shift in the past eight years. 2017 and 2022 stand as high points in his career. However, a series of injuries plagued Kyrgios post-2022, causing a dip in his performance. The finalist of the 2022 Wimbledon shared his fears about not being able to regain his top form, hinting that 2025 may be his last year in singles.
Fans across the globe, despite being critical of Kyrgios’ behavior and his complex relationship with tennis, are hoping for a memorable finale from the Australian player before his possible retirement.
As Kyrgios prepares for the Miami Open, his practice session at the Hard Rock Stadium was a display of his unique approach to the game. He livened up the atmosphere by hitting some powerful forehand shots and serves against a young girl, his unexpected practice partner. This playful session, covered under ‘protected ranking’, had the audience thoroughly entertained.
Regardless of the opponent, be it a Grand Slam champion or a little girl, Kyrgios’ dedication and skill are unwavering. As we await his performance in the Miami Open, his practice session serves as a reminder of his unique charm that continues to captivate tennis fans worldwide.