Nick Kyrgios has provided a spectacle in the second round of the Australian Open on Wednesday. The controversial Australian argued with the umpire in his game against Ugo Humbert, gave up match points, but reached the third round in Melbourne.
The 25-year-old Kyrgios was heading for a defeat against Humbert for a long time. The Frenchman got two match points in the fourth set at 5-4, but did not use them and drew the short end in the deciding fifth set after a match of 3.5 hours: 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2) and 6-4.
Kyrgios impressed by hitting no less than thirty aces and entertained the audience in the John Cain Arena with his beautiful game, but also showed his worst side. The ‘enfant terrible’ regularly clashed with umpire Marijana Veljovic and even lost a point because of his behavior. He escaped a game penalty.
Especially in the final phase, Humbert played not only against Kyrgios, but also against the Australian public. The fans in the stands were already cheering and applauding when the world’s number 34 first serve disappeared in the net or went out.
Kyrgios, known for his controversial actions on and off the court, did not play during the corona crisis and is only playing his second tournament in a year at the Australian Open.
The number 47 in the world has to come from a good home in the third round, because he will meet Dominic Thiem, the global number 3 and losing Australian Open finalist last year. The Austrian still is without set loss in Melbourne.
Nick Kyrgios went to the ground out of relief after his victory over Ugo Humbert.
Nick Kyrgios went to the ground out of relief after his victory over Ugo Humbert. Photo: Pro Shots
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Zverev continues in Melbourne without a set loss
Alexander Zverev had a lot less trouble getting through his second round match. The German settled without a loss of set with the American qualifier Maxime Cressy: 7-5, 6-4 and 6-3.
The number 172 in the world played a good match against Zverev especially in the first set and had four chances in the entire match to win the German’s service game, but he failed to place a break.
The 23-year-old Zverev, who lost a set in his first round match, hopes to reach the final of the Australian Open for the first time this year. Last year’s losing US Open finalist reached the last four in Melbourne in 2020, but on his way to the final he had to acknowledge his superior in Thiem.
For a place in the eighth finals, Zverev awaits a showdown with Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, the number 32 on the placement list.
Alexander Zverev remained without a set loss in his second round match.
Alexander Zverev remained without a set loss in his second round match.
Photo: Pro Shots
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