British tennis star knocks out Nick Kyrgios to ruin Australian Open return in first round clash
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British tennis star Jacob Fearnley has ended Nick Kyrgios' dream Australian Open return with an impressive straight-sets win in the opening round.
Kyrgios was making his first Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open after several injury setbacks.
The Aussie star made his competitive return at the Brisbane International, losing a close contest to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.
He needed repeated treatment throughout the match and there was fresh doubt over his involvement in the Australian Open when he pulled out of an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic after suffering an abdominal strain.
Nick Kyrgios was playing in his first major since 2022
GETTY
The 29-year-old managed to take to the court for his Australian Open return on Monday, but appeared in clear discomfort throughout the match against Fearnley.
The British tennis ace, who enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024 by climbing inside the world's top 100, showed no mercy by racing to a two-set lead with Kyrgios clearly struggling.
The former world No 13 was heard shouting 'I shouldn't be out here' to his team during the first set.
Kyrgios wasn't able to unleash his trademark big serve, a huge weapon in his arsenal.
And that hampered him throughout as he struggled to get Fearnley on the back foot.
The 23-year-old then lost serve for the first time in the third set as the crowd inside the John Cairn Arena got behind Kyrgios to pull off a comeback.
Fearnley managed to keep his nerve after facing set point at one stage to get back on track and force a tiebreak.
Kyrgios seemingly had nothing left to give in the tiebreak as Fearnley secured the victory to progress to the second round of the Australian Open.
Jacob Fearnley got the win over Nick Kyrgios
REUTERS
Fearnley was making his debut in the main draw of the Australian Open and just his second-ever Grand Slam appearance.
The Brit admitted after his win that he struggled to sleep the night before facing Kyrgios, but was delighted to get the win.
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Nick Kyrgios appeared to be struggling with an issue
REUTERS
"Obviously extremely nervous before the match," he said.
"I didn't get too much sleep. I knew it was going to be a brilliant match but I thought I played good.
"I'm sorry for Nick, I could tell he was dealing with some stuff."
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