Nick Kyrgios vs Mackenzie McDonald Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Kyrgios tipped to struggle again in Miami

It's not been a great return to tennis for Kyrgios, with the Aussie going 0-3 so far in 2025. Some insiders claim that Kyrgios is simply playing out his protected ranking until he officially retires, so that gives an indication of where he's currently at with his injuries. Kyrgios has appeared hindered by his wrist in all of his matches since returning to the tour, while an abdominal issue flared up in Australia. Putting it simply, Kyrgios' body just isn't up to the rigours of professional tennis anymore.

McDonald is a very solid player who should be ranked much higher than his current ranking of No. 101, with the American gradually rising higher after his own injury setbacks. McDonald is 4-0 in Miami first round matches and has advanced to the third round in his last two appearances at the Masters 1000 event. Kyrgios' serve might allow him the lottery of tiebreaks, but the best bet for this clash is another straight sets defeat for the Aussie.

Locked at 1-1. McDonald won their first meeting at Washington in 2021 before Kyrgios returned serve with a three-set triumph in Houston the following year. Those matches basically hold no weight when it comes to this encounter.

It's not looking good for Kyrgios in regards to a successful comeback and returning to challenging for the biggest titles in the sport.

Wrist injuries are extremely hard to return from (just ask the likes of Juan Martin del Potro and Dominic Thiem) and Kyrgios has been visibly reacting in pain repeatedly in his matches since returning.

After losing to Jacob Fearnley in straight sets at the Australian Open, Kyrgios returned at Indian Wells a couple of weeks ago, retiring against Botic Van De Zandschulp after dropping the opening set.

Kyrgios has a stellar 15-5 record in Miami, reaching the semi-finals in his first two appearances at the tournament, but he's a shadow of that player right now.

McDonald is back from his own injury problems and will be hoping to begin climbing back towards his career-high ranking of No. 37.

The American has played mostly on the Challenger Tour so far in 2025 in a bid to rebuild that ranking and comes into this clash having won nine of his last 12 matches.

After making the final of the San Diego Challenger, McDonald received a wildcard into Indian Wells, where he registered a good win over the in-form Alejandro Davidovich Fokina before going down to eventual quarter-finalist Francisco Cerundolo.

McDonald has continued his good form, qualifying for the Miami main draw with victories over Nikoloz Basilashvili (RET) and Pavel Kotov. The 29-year-old has a good 6-4 record in Miami, going 4-0 in Round 1 matches and defeating the likes of Grigor Dimitrov and Matteo Berrettini to reach the third round in his last two visits.