Nick Kyrgios books place in second round of Australian Open with straight sets win
Nick Kyrgios is playing for two at this year’s Australian Open. While the Aussie star is making his way through the draw for himself, he is also doing it for his injured ATP Cup teammate Alex De Minaur.
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It was the loudest Australian who led the charge, and he delivered to cap a stellar day for local chances at Melbourne Park.
“It’s definitely tough (playing alone),” Kyrgios admitted.
Kyrgios became the 10th Australian to advance to the second round of the Australian Open, after John Millman, Alex Bolt, Alexei Popyrin, Jordan Thompson, Marc Polmans, Ajla Tomljanovic, Priscilla Hon and Arina Rodionova all advanced.
It was almost as if he was following a script, disposing of Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-2 7-6(3) 7-6(1) with a few mild dramatic moments for effect.
As for what he can write in the next fortnight, Nick Kyrgios showed the flair and fire that could pen just about anything.
Kyrgios might have donned the loudest shorts spotted at the tournament so far, but he advanced to the second round with – by his usual standards - little fanfare.
Albeit for some mild swearing and gesturing at his player box, the victory went as well as Kyrgios could have hoped and one he dedicated to injured Australian teammate Alex de Minaur.
“I’m still heartbroken about Demon, and if he’s watching, that was for you little fella,” he said.
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“I’m not looking ahead in the draw … everyone is capable. I’m taking it one match at a time.
“I’ve got no idea (who I could meet). I haven’t looked at all.
“I’m not even thinking about it. Day off tomorrow, recover … I’ll be back out here again.”
Some fans had queued for more than three hours for a look at the enigmatic Canberran, who was again granted his annual request to play on Melbourne Park’s “people’s court” of Melbourne Arena.
And Kyrgios showed off just about all of his wares in what has become a seriously impressive portfolio of weapons – even those cheeky “tweeners”.
“This is my favourite court in the world,” he declared.
Something during the second set was “really p…ing me off”, Kyrgios had yelled, waving to his player box which included Australian former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt.
Either Pablo Cuevas or Gilles Simon – who were due to face off in the very late hours of Tuesday night – awaits for the local hope.
Originally published as Nick Kyrgios books place in second round of Australian Open with straight sets win