Underarm serves and tweeners as Nick Kyrgios returns with a bang as he wins Atlanta opener
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.
Back with a bang 💪
2016 champ @NickKyrgios lights up the crowd and dispatches Anderson 7-6 6-3 to reach the 2nd round in Atlanta! pic.twitter.com/b8dJOq5X47
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 28, 2021
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.
Let’s run it back again…
This time with a tweener to boot 😆 pic.twitter.com/jiMZEJujlx
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 28, 2021
“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.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova dismisses Emma Raducanu ‘fluke’ claims as she highlights a ‘handicap’
“It was amazing when she won but it’s become a handicap because the expectations have gone sky-high.”
-
ATP Tour
WATCH: Tennis star collapses during Miami Open qualifier as opponent admits ‘I didn’t see him fall’
Arthur Cazaux left the court in a wheelchair.
-
Tennis News
Tennis great Martina Navratilova sympathises with frustrated Andy Murray – ‘It’s exhausting’
“It’s exhausting to have to deal with the press like that for Andy,” says Martina Navratilova.
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”