Tennis: Nick Kyrgios on the winners list again as he marches towards the US Open

Two weeks out from the US Open, Nick Kyrgios continues to impress, this time in Cincinnati.

A code violation for hitting a ball into the stands wasn’t enough to derail the new version of Nick Kyrgios, who continued his march to the US Open with an opening round win at the Cincinnati Masters.

Fellow Aussie Alex de Minaur was also victorious, but Kyrgios’ doubles partner Thanasi Kokkinakis lost an epic encounter, although he’ll need to hang around after a victory with his playing partner as their doubles combination continues to flourish.

Kyrgios sent a ball flying into the stands out of frustration early in the second set of his win over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina but was spared being defaulted and maintained his composure to win 7-5, 6-4 in convincing style.

Declaring he was feeling a bit “worn out” after a hectic playing schedule in recent weeks, which included a tournament win in Washington and then a trip to Montreal last week, Kyrgios was happy to register another win on his way to Flushing Meadow.

“He’s so talented, got so many shots at his disposal, so I knew that I just had to serve well and dictate as much as I can. His backhand is incredible, so it was a tricky match,” Kyrgios said.

Wild ride🤪

2017 runner-up @NickKyrgios rides past Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-5 6-4 at #CincyTennispic.twitter.com/Kcdjxkylra

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 16, 2022

“Physically didn’t feel the best, feel a bit worn out, but mentally played the big points well.

“It’s not easy out here, so I‘m happy with that.”

The Wimbledon runner-up next faces big-hitting American Taylor Fritz and is chasing a 17th win from 19 matches as he continues his build-up to the US Open starting in less than two weeks.

De Minaur also advanced in straight sets, dismissing Swiss qualifier Henri Laaksonen 6-2, 6-2 in 67 minutes.

Kokkinakis wasn’t as lucky, however, losing a three-hour, 15-minute cliffhanger to Italian world No.12 Jannik Sinner 6-7 (11-9), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).