Nick Kyrgios suffered a disappointing Australian Open first round exit, but of course he wasn’t the only one.
Kyrgios will play doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis, but his Australian Open singles venture came to an abrupt end.
The Australian fell to Briton Jacob Fearnley in an entertaining battle at John Cain Arena, with Kyrgios losing 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2).
Kyrgios is already eyeing a Wimbledon return, having just made his Grand Slam comeback in Melbourne after undergoing wrist surgery in September 2023.
The former ATP number 13 suffered an abdominal issue in the loss against Fearnley, but still managed to leave his home fans impressed.
Nick Kyrgios praises Jenson Brooksby for Australian Open comeback
Elsewhere on day two of the Australian Open, top ten seeds Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic all won.
Fourth seed Taylor Fritz meanwhile won his opener on day three, with the ATP number four overcoming fellow American Jenson Brooksby in round one.
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The latter’s struggles were highlighted during the match by journalist Jose Morgado, who wrote on X: “Brooksby struggling to win games on his return to tennis after almost two years. Fritz 6-2, 6-0, 1-1.”
That comment prompted a response from Kyrgios, who noted: “Not easy to come back. Give him a break – bonus to be back!”
Taylor Fritz to meet Cristian Garin after his win over Borna Coric
With Fritz in formidable form and Brooksby last seeing match action at the 2023 Australian Open, a heavy victory was always on the cards.
Perhaps 6-2, 6-0, 6-3 was slightly harsh, but the latter can definitely be proud of his efforts upon his return, much like Kyrgios.
Exactly like the Australian, Brooksby underwent wrist surgery, although he did additionally serve a suspension for missing three anti-doping tests.
That is, of course, an unthinkable scenario for Kyrgios, who has been a leading critic of the doping case surrounding world number one Sinner.
Taylor, who enjoyed his best Grand Slam run with his 2024 US Open runner-up spot, now faces Chilean Cristian Garin in round two, with the qualifier having just beaten Borna Coric.
The American would have perhaps wanted a more challenging opener, but at the same time it will still give him great confidence as he looks to go one better in Melbourne than in New York.
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