Nick Kyrgios’s 2025 return to the tour, following a nearly two-year absence due to wrist injuries, has been fraught with challenges. He hasn’t secured a win since 2022, and his Australian swing was marred by a recurrence of the same wrist problems. Despite a comeback attempt at Indian Wells, he was forced to retire mid-match, casting doubt on his Miami Open participation. Kyrgios himself expressed concerns about the timing, stating he’d assess his wrist’s recovery. Nevertheless, he’s now set to face Mackenzie McDonald in the first round. The question remains: can Kyrgios overcome his physical hurdles and finally break his losing streak in Miami?

Nick Kyrgios vs Mackenzie McDonald: Preview

Nick Kyrgios broke down in tears when he was forced to retire from his first-round match at the Indian Wells against the Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp. Kyrgios’s return, his first match since the Australian Open, ended abruptly when he retired while trailing 6(7)-7(9), 0-3. 

Mackenzie McDonald has been quite impressive in the Challenger events this year. He reached the SF of the Challenger Oeiras II, PT in January and then a few months later he made it to the finals at the Challenger San Diego, US. However, McDonald will be entering this contest following his 6-4,6(3)-7,1-6 defeat to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the R64 of the Indian Wells.

Kyrgios vs McDonald: Head-to-Head

Both of them have crossed paths twice as of now. Currently, their H2H record is well-balanced at 1-1.

• 2022 Houston R32: Kyrgios 4-6,6-3,6-4.
• 2021 Washington R64: McDonald 6-4,6-4.

Prediction: McDonald to win in three sets

A lot of things have happened after their last meeting. Kyrgios was at his prime during the 2022 season. He reached the final of the Wimbledon Championships and the QF of the US Open that year. However, after that injuries have become his biggest opponent, and playing a full match has become his biggest challenge!

Kyrgios has reached the SF in Miami twice (2016,2017) in his career before. So, if he manages to play a full match against McDonald, I believe he still has the game to throw a sturdy challenge against the American on this surface. So, a three-setter is a big possibility. But it won’t be this easy.

If we take a look at their form, McDonald (101) has the edge in this case with a win-loss record of 3-3 on the main Tour. On the other hand, it’s 0-3 for Kyrgios (892).

The former world number 13, Nick Kyrgios was recently spotted enjoying his practice session in the Miami Gardens. Getting used to the surface? Well, Kyrgios’ game suits this surface pretty well! He has been described as having a usually aggressive style of player. This ultra-aggressive player loves to pull the trigger as early as possible and his game is very serve-centric. He issues his serve to win free points as well as to set up his forehand, which he can hit flat as well as with topspin. 

Apart from his fiery serves, Kyrgios also has a destructive forehand in his armory and even his net game is pretty solid. His excellent reflexes, along with extraordinary drop shots and underarm serves, are prime components of his flamboyant tennis. However, his backhand is one of his biggest weaknesses in his game, and he is also not the quickest around the court.

Conversely, Mackenzie McDonald is known for his speed and agility on the court. He loves hitting flat shots, and he frequently comes up to the net to finish his points. McDonald has a strong forehand, and he loves playing on hard courts. His favorite shot is his forehand and, considering all these aspects and their current form, I am backing Mackenzie McDonald to win in his home tournament.