‘I thought I would never play tennis again’: Nick Kyrgios celebrates first win since 2022 after horror run of injuries

Nick Kyrgios questioned whether injuries would end his career, but the Australian tennis star is now finally back.

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios says it’s “pretty special” to feel like he belongs again after he won his first match since 2022 with a thrilling comeback victory over Mackenzie McDonald at the Miami Open, revealing after the match that he thought his career was over.

The 29-year-old has battled serious wrist injuries over the past few years that threatened to prematurely end his career, with Kyrgios in tears earlier this month when he withdrew in the second set in the first round at Indian Wells.

It prompted retirement fears but the big-serving Australian is back in the winner’s circle thanks to a 3-6 6-3 6-4 win over the American after he overcame a slow start to send down 13 aces in the emotional breakthrough win.

It was his first win on tour since October 2022, a few months after he made the Wimbledon final that was supposed to be the spark to help him realise him amazing potential.

You could see the relief on his face when he held serve to love in the clinching game, with McDonald’s forehand return sailing long to seal the win.

“It’s been a long journey,” he said after the match.

“Even to just get to the start line of matches and be scared to even finish them, but to come off and get a win and then feel like I belong again is pretty special.

“I thought I would never play tennis again, to be brutally honest, and it was going that way.

Nick Kyrgios in a winner again. Picture: Rich Storry / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

“I’ve had conversations with my camp, my team, guys who are leaving their families to come here and help me get to the court … I was like ‘look, I don’t know how long I can keep doing this for’.

“This puts a bit more petrol in the tank, but I need to be realistic, I’ll see how my wrist pulls up tomorrow.”

The win was sweet relief for Kyrgios, who feared the worst after his surgically repaired wrist flared up in Indian Wells and prompted an emotional statement after his teary withdrawal.

“Emotional night for me but I really appreciate everyone who’s helped me keep my head up. You know who you are.” he wrote in a heartfelt message to TikTok.

Things looked grim for Kyrgios at Indian Wells. Picture: Clive Brunskill / Getty Images North America / Getty Images via AFP

“Gotta let go of what was. You are a new person, new player now.

“It ain’t easy, but you have to enjoy whatever is left in this tennis journey. I’m a competitor, I always think I’m capable and always want to play my best.

“But that also stems frustration and anger to myself. I have to be kinder – it’s a blessing to still be able to play this sport that has given me so much.”

Kyrgios will face No.22 seed Karen Khachanov in the second round on Saturday.

Originally published as ‘I thought I would never play tennis again’: Nick Kyrgios celebrates first win since 2022 after horror run of injuries