Russia’s Daniil Medvedev beat home hero Nick Kyrgios to move into the third round of the Australian Open
Daniil Medvedev overcome a tricky test against Nick Kyrgios in Melbourne, beating the home favorite in four sets to progress to the third round of the Australian Open.
The top-ranked player in the draw after the departure of Novak Djokovic, Medvedev remained imperturbable in the face of strong support for Kyrgios on Rod Laver Arena and typical gamesmanship from his Australian opponent as the Russian star ran out a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 winner.
Kyrgios, 26, had whipped the crowd into a frenzy during his first-round in Melbourne, describing the scenes as a “zoo.”
But it was a more subdued attendance on Thursday as Medvedev largely kept a lid on the home support with his cool, calm and collected tennis.
Flying into the third round ✈️@DaniilMedwed holds off Nick Kyrgios 7-6(1) 6-4 4-6 6-2 to reach the third round for the fourth consecutive time.#AO2022 • #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/8KShYhEXJ1
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2022
The pair traded breaks in an opening set which the Russian second seed eventually won comfortably in a tiebreak.
Setting the scene for much of the chatter which would flow from Kyrgios throughout the match, the Australian was seen remonstrating with the match umpire over noise coming from the crowd – being heard yelling ““will you not scream during my f**king serve?!” and earning a code violation and warning for the outburst.
Amid continued protests over the serve clock – which Kyrgios suggested was working against him – the Australian battled to stay in the second set before being broken in game 10 by Medvedev, who remained redoubtable in the face on antics from his rival which included pinching his towel at a changeover.
Medvedev didn't even flinch. #Kyrgios#AusOpen | https://t.co/S9S3sAE0tI pic.twitter.com/v9VgGjgjin
— Tennis GIFs 🎾🎥 (@tennis_gifs) January 20, 2022
Kyrgios continued his running battle with the umpire at the start of set three, but admirably refused to fold in the face of pressure from Medvedev.
To the delight of the crowd, the Australian played a sensational winner in game seven to earn break points after Medvedev had fired the ball at him from close range, only for Kyrios to get his racket on it and send it back over the net for a brilliant winner.
Unreal stuff. pic.twitter.com/zw105VNwSd
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 20, 2022
The was fuel to Kyrgios’ fire, and while Medvedev saved one break point, Kyrgios produced a brilliant forehand winner to claim the game and move a break ahead in the set.
Kyrgios was inspired in the following game as he held serve – including a brilliant trademark ‘tweener’ return during one rally as Medvedev suddenly showed signs that his momentum was faltering.
Kyrgios wrapped up the set with a deft drop-shot to keep himself in the match.
Fourth set feels 😝@NickKyrgios finds a new gear to take the third set against Daniil Medvedev, 6-4.#AusOpen • #AO2022 pic.twitter.com/PF4SG9MaBt
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2022
The Australian had the momentum heading into the fourth set but failed to capitalize on a break point as Medvedev came through a tough opening game.
Gradually the US Open champion re-exerted himself, hitting an untouchable down-the-line return to break Djokovic in game six and open up a 4-2 lead.
Kyrgios smashed his racket in disgust after Medvedev defended serve to move within one game of the match, which the Russian sealed by breaking Kyrgios for a second time in the set.
MORE TO FOLLOW
https://ift.tt/3KriMvC 20, 2022 at 04:51PM
from RT – Daily news