Nick Kyrgios Stuns Mackenzie McDonald to Grab First Win Since October 2022
A Long-Awaited Victory
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has finally broken his winless streak, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Miami Open. This marks his first victory since October 2022, a significant milestone in his journey back to form.
A Slow Start and a Turnaround
Kyrgios got off to a slow start on a hot and humid day in South Florida, dropping the first set to McDonald. However, he began to find his rhythm on serve, leveling the contest with a strong second set. In the decisive third set, he hit a well-disguised drop shot to set up a break point and converted when his American opponent double-faulted to take a 4-3 lead. From there, he rode his powerful serve to the finish line.
A Bittersweet Victory
This win is particularly sweet for Kyrgios, who has been plagued by injuries and setbacks in recent years. He retired from his first-round match at Indian Wells earlier this month due to pain in his surgically repaired right wrist. The Australian’s words echoed his emotions after the win: "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. So to come in and get a win and feel like I belong again, it’s pretty special."
A New Challenge Ahead
Next up for Kyrgios is a tough test against Russian Karen Khachanov, who stunned him in a hard-fought quarterfinal at the 2022 US Open. This match will be a true test of Kyrgios’s resolve and abilities, as he looks to build on his momentum and return to the top tier of tennis.
Other Winners on the Day
Frenchman Gael Monfils, Belgian David Goffin, and Russian-born Kazakhstani Alexander Bublik were among the players who advanced out of the first round with wins on Wednesday, further adding to the excitement of the tournament.
Conclusion
Nick Kyrgios’s victory is a significant step in his recovery and a testament to his determination and perseverance. As he faces new challenges ahead, his fans and the tennis world will be eagerly watching to see if he can sustain this momentum and return to his former glory.
FAQs
- What was the score of Nick Kyrgios’s match against Mackenzie McDonald?
- 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
- What was the reason for Kyrgios’s retirement from his first-round match at Indian Wells?
- Pain in his surgically repaired right wrist
- Who is Kyrgios’s next opponent in the tournament?
- Russian Karen Khachanov
- Who else won their matches on Wednesday?
- Frenchman Gael Monfils, Belgian David Goffin, and Russian-born Kazakhstani Alexander Bublik