No Olympics for Nick Kyrgios – but he’s just won his second career title on the ATP circuit by beating American John Isner in Atlanta, 7–6 7–6.

Top seed Isner was seeking a fourth consecutive title in the Georgia event on Sunday, but the tall American fell short in his historic quest in a battle of big servers.

Second seed Kyrgios overcame a love-40 deficit in his first service game, with both players holding serve throughout the match.

“Returning is very crucial against John,” said Kyrgios.

“That serve is world-class. It would have been a completely different story if he got me there.”

And we have a new champ! @NickKyrgios takes the 2016 BB&T Atlanta Open crown with a 7-6, 7-6 win over #Isner pic.twitter.com/Jp5OSpWBKE

— Atlanta Open 🎾 (@ATLOpenTennis) August 7, 2016

Kyrgios pulled out of the Rio 2016 Olympics after accusing the Australian Olympic Committee of unfair and unjust treatment and unwarranted attacks.

Kyrgios, 21, joined compatriot Bernard Tomic in withdrawing from the Games, with AOC chef de mission Kitty Chiller saying the pair were “on watch” because of their behaviour.

Chiller suggested that Kyrgios “doesn’t really understand what it means to be an Australian Olympian”.

Kyrgios responded to Chiller’s comments by announcing he would skip Rio.

Twitter users were acutely aware of what week of the year it is.

Really excited for @NickKyrgios. Just wish it could have been any other week of the year…#couldhavebeenanothergold https://t.co/1pivbzqchi

— Lauren (@loz_globalnomad) August 7, 2016

Congrats to @NickKyrgios on another career title, just wish he was in Rio. Thanks Kitty. #WhatCouldveBeen #Rio2016

— David Zita (@DavidZita1) August 7, 2016

Kyrgios, 21, for all his undoubted talent, has made as many headlines for his off-court antics as for his tennis during his turbulent career.

The victory provisionally bumps the feisty 21-year-old up to a career-high ranking of 16, and will give him a crucial top-16 seeding at the US Open later this month.

-with agencies