Nick Kyrgios has the chance to ease his way back from illness after being handed a first-round bye at tennis’ unofficial fifth major, the Miami Open.

After battling through the so-called “quarter of death” to reach the semi-finals last week in Indian Wells, Kyrgios withdrew from a much-hyped semi-final showdown with Roger Federer.

The Australian cited possible food poisoning.

But after a week’s rest, Kyrgios will open his campaign in Miami against either Damir Dzumhur or Hyeon Chung – both ranked outside the world top 50 – on Friday (Saturday AEDT).

He could face big-serving Croat Ivo Karlovic in the round before a possible clash with David Goffin or David Ferrer.

The 21-year-old’s prospects for a fourth ATP career title are helped by the world’s top two players Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic withdrawing with injury.

Kyrgios, who downed Novak Djokovic for the second time this month during his run to the last four in Indian Wells, has good memories of Miami.

He marched to his maiden Masters 1000 semi-final and reached the world’s top 20 for the first time there a year ago.