Xinhua
20 Jan 2022, 21:49 GMT+10
World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev overcomes pressure from an opposing crowd to fend off local hero Nick Kyrgios in the second round of Australian Open.
SYDNEY, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev has taken down Australian showman Nick Kyrgios in a blockbuster second round game of the Australian Open, 7-6 (1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Playing in the main court Rod Laver Arena on Thursday night, Medvedev closed out the game with the help of strong serves, racking in a staggering 31 aces, and a consistent demeanor in the face of Kyrgios' intensity.
The 25-year-old Russian secured an early break in the first set, from which Kyrgios was able to break back, before cleanly winning the set in a tiebreaker that went 7-1.
Throughout the match Kyrgios fed on the crowd's energy, in stark contrast to the razor focus maintained by Medvedev.
The Aussie managed to hold the second set to 4-4 but was outlasted as Medvedev broke and then won off an unforced error.
Winning the third set, Kyrgios showed some resistance to the Russian's play after squeezing out a mid-set break, but the 26-year-old's fatigue began to show.
Medvedev patiently wore down Kyrgios in the fourth set, and the frustrated Aussie was penalized late for a racket abuse violation.
"I am throwing the kitchen sink. I actually can't physically do anything more," said Kyrgios to the crowd in the final set.
After a series of perfect service games and a double break in the fourth set, the Russian closed out the game after two hours and 58 minutes.
"I came to win this match and I am happy that I managed to do it," said Medvedev during his post-match interview.
The win marked Medvedev's first victory against Kyrgios, who won both of their previous tournament games in 2019.
Medvedev will now move into the third round where he faces off against world No. 57 Botic van de Zandschulp from the Netherlands.
Elsewhere in the men's bracket, Britain's Andy Murray suffered an upset defeat, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel. Aussie wildcard Christopher O'Connell beat out No. 13 seed Diego Schwartzman in straight sets, 7-6 (6), 6-4, 6-4.
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