Underarm serves and tweeners as Nick Kyrgios returns with a bang as he wins Atlanta opener

ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios post-match celebration

The Nick Kyrgios roadshow hit North America on Tuesday as the Australian made an impressive return following injury, beating Kevin Anderson in the first round of the Atlanta Open.

Playing in his first singles match since an abdominal injury forced him to withdraw from his Wimbledon third-round match, Kyrgios produced a brilliant service display en route to a 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 victory over the South African.

The world No 58 served 15 aces and won 36 out of 42 of points on his first serve.

After no breaks in the first set Kyrgios edged the tie-breaker while the solitary break of serve in the match came in game eight of the second set.

He also produced plenty of entertaining shots for the crowd, including an underarm serve and tweeners.

“Kevin is no easy opponent, he’s a finalist at Grand Slams and he knows how to win matches,” the Australian said during the on-court interview.

“His serve is one of the best in the world, so I knew today was going to be incredibly tough. I haven’t played too many matches, but I was serving well and I just love playing here in Atlanta.”

He will face third seed Cameron Norrie, who had a bye, in the second round.

Jack Sock came through a three-setter as he beat Richard Berankis 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-5 to set up an all-American second-round clash with sixth seed John Isner while Brandon Nakashima beat wildcard Trent Bryde 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-4.

Nick Kyrgios

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