Nick Kyrgios produces ‘a hell of a performance’ to set up match against ‘hell of a player’ Andrey Rublev

It was “a hell of a night” for Nick Kyrgios at the Miami Open as he saw off a “tough opponent” in Adrian Mannarino to earn a second-round date against Andrey Rublev.
Kyrgios came into the Florida Masters 1000 event on a high after reaching the quarter-final of the Indian Wells Open last week and he continued his good form with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in one hour and 32 minutes.
It was a tightly contested opening set with only one break point opportunity that Kyrgios failed to convert. The Australian, though, dominated the tie-breaker and a single break of serve in game eight of the second set ensured he walked away with the win.
The world No 102’s victory came on the back of a strong service game as he landed 75% of his first serves, winning 82% of those points.
“It was a hell of a performance,” he said. “Getting on late, it wasn’t easy. So I’m really proud of myself with the way I responded. I felt good, I competed well today against a tough opponent.”
Up next is fifth seed Andrey Rublev, who is one of the form players on the ATP Tour having won the Open 13 and Dubai Tennis Championships.
“I grew up with him, I’ve seen him play. He’s a hell of a player,” Kyrgios, who has a 1-1 head-to-head record against the fifth seed, said. “Obviously we all know what he’s capable of and I’m going into that match as a complete underdog.
“But I feel confident. If I’m serving well and playing well form the back I can beat anyone, and everyone knows that. I’m excited.”
Thanasi Kokkonakis, with whom Kyrgios won the Australian Open men’s doubles this year, was also victorious as he defeated Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2 to set up a clash against 13th seed Diego Schwartzman while Borna Coric from Croatia earned a date against second seed Alexander Zverev with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Fernando Verdasco.
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Daniil Medvedev insists ‘if I can play Wimbledon I will be happy to be there, even without points’
Daniil Medvedev would jump at the chance to play at Wimbledon.
-
Live Tennis
Tennis365’s live scores and results centre: Follow the French Open here
Aaaaand it’s live! Follow the action from Roland Garros…
-
Tennis News
Nick Kyrgios has ‘bigger fish to fry’ after Bernard Tomic challenges him ‘sort this out in the boxing ring’
Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic won’t be stepping into a boxing ring any time soon.
-
French Open
Irina-Camelia Begu escapes disqualification after ’embarrassing moment’ left young fan in tears
“I just want to apologise,” says Irina-Camelia Begu.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon to finally ditch the ‘Miss’ and ‘Mrs’ prefixes on its famous honours boards as it modernises
Welcome to 2022 Wimbledon.
-
French Open
French Open day five: Madison Keys gets entangled, France’s wildcard wonder, a close shave for young fan
A review of the latest action from Roland Garros.
-
French Open
Simona Halep ‘recovered and smiling’ again as she reveals she suffered a panic attack at French Open
Simona Halep smiling again after panic attack.
-
French Open
Daniil Medvedev now loves playing in France
The Russian’s relationship with Paris has been a slow burner.
-
French Open
Dan Evans ‘couldn’t care less’ about being booed off
The British number two lost in straight sets to Swede Mikael Ymer,
-
French Open
Daniil Medvedev happy to grind past Serbian Laslo Djere
Daniil Medvedev was a relieved man after powering past Laslo Djere in straight sets at Roland Garros.