After a triumphant return to the court, Nick Kyrgios, the once No. 13 tennis player in the world, is potentially calling it quits at the Miami Open. Despite earning his first victory in over two years against qualifier Mackenzie McDonald, the Aussie athlete hinted at an imminent departure. His comeback was marred by a troubled wrist, which has been a persistent issue since his two-year hiatus due to knee and wrist injuries.
Kyrgios showcased his resilience in Miami, bouncing back from a set deficit to claim the win over McDonald with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 score on Wednesday. The victory, however, was tinged with uncertainty as Kyrgios openly questioned the future of his professional tennis career. The 29-year-old has been battling physical and emotional hurdles, his emotional exit from Indian Wells just days prior being a testament to his struggle.
The Australian player endured a rough patch after his return from the two-year break in January. His return was characterized by early exits at the Brisbane International and Australian Open, which led to a hiatus until Indian Wells earlier this month. The tennis pro, however, was forced to retire mid-match against Botic van de Zandschulp due to exacerbating wrist pain.
His comeback on the Miami court resulted in his first win since October 2022, setting the stage for a rematch with Karen Khachanov, who bested him in their US Open quarter-final faceoff two and a half years ago. But Kyrgios’ future in the tournament remains uncertain as he assesses his wrist condition post-match.
Kyrgios revealed his inner turmoil post-match, saying, “I thought I’d never play tennis again, to be brutally honest with you. That was going that way.” He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his team and how he’s grappling with the physical toll of the sport, “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.”
Post-surgery in September 2023, Kyrgios underwent a full wrist reconstruction, which, after months of rehab, allowed him to pick up the racket again. However, the athlete has been combatting persistent wrist issues since his return in January. He recalled a throbbing sensation in his wrist during his comeback match in Brisbane and subsequent discomfort during a practice in Indian Wells.
The tennis star, who holds seven titles to his name, has made an impressive comeback since his forced retirement in Indian Wells less than two weeks ago. But as he navigates the physical trials of the sport, the continuation of his Miami Open campaign hangs in the balance. His journey is a testament to resilience and passion, but the question remains: Will Kyrgios continue to fight his physical battles on the court, or will he hang up his racket for good?
