Kyrgios records impressive win
Rising Australian teenage star Nick Kyrgios has marched into the second round of the Australian Open with an impressive victory over experienced German Benjamin Becker.
The reigning Australian Open junior champion continued his seamless graduation to senior ranks, defying the searing heat and a shoulder problem to win 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-2) and set up a second-round clash with Frenchman Benoit Paire, the No.25 seed.
Kyrgios claimed his maiden grand slam match victory at last year’s French Open against Radek Stepanek and took just as much out of Tuesday’s win.
“The one at the French was in straight sets, whereas this one I had to dig deeper,” he said.
“Obviously today it started a bit tough for both of us.
“The temperature got up to 43 degrees or something and we were both struggling physically in the conditions.
“But this is my home and I came out and defended my home.”
Kyrgios had treatment on his right shoulder early in the fourth set.
“I’m obviously going to be feeling it a bit, but it’s good enough for me to play,” he said.