Nick Kyrgios edges past McDonald for long-awaited victory in Miami

Nick Kyrgios is back to winning ways after three years, defeating Mackenzie McDonald 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Miami Open. The former World No. 13 turned around a tough opening set and delivered a strong serving performance to celebrate victory in Miami.

The former Wimbledon runner-up arrived in search of his first win since 2022 after a couple of injury-plagued seasons. Since his 2025 return, Kyrgios had competed in three tournaments, all ending in defeat — including a withdrawal due to injury at Indian Wells two weeks ago while facing Botic van de Zandschulp.

McDonald, ranked World No. 101, made a fast start, claiming 12 of the first 13 points to surge ahead 3-0. Kyrgios looked out of sorts and struggled to keep up with the American. However, the Aussie managed to break back in the fifth game, levelling the set at 3-3.

Even so, Kyrgios's serve lacked consistency, and McDonald secured a second break to take the set 6-3. Despite the setback, Kyrgios began to find his rhythm, winning 63% of points on his first serve, though he failed to win a single point on his second serve.

In the second set, Kyrgios found his groove on serve while McDonald struggled to handle the Aussie’s pace. Kyrgios earned his first break-point opportunities in the second game but couldn’t capitalise.

With the score at 4-3, Kyrgios finally broke McDonald’s serve, regaining hope of a comeback. He held serve with ease, taking the set 6-3 by playing more aggressively, hitting 14 winners to just eight unforced errors.

The third set remained tightly contested early on, with both players holding serve comfortably. McDonald had a chance to break at 3-2 but couldn’t convert. While the American landed 74% of his first serves, Kyrgios remained steady at 76%.

Saving the break point seemed to ignite Kyrgios, who quickly earned two break points at 15-40. After a couple of attempts, he clinched the decisive break for a 5-3 lead. From there, he held his serve to seal a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory.

In the second round, Kyrgios will face 22nd seed Karen Khachanov.