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Brit Fearnley fought hard to post a 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2) triumph over the returning Kyrgios in their first-round encounter in the year’s first Grand Slam event.
Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during his first round match against Jacob Fearnley of Britain at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Australian maverick Nick Kyrgios was shown the exit door from his hometown Major Australian Open on Monday as he went down to Jacob Fearnley on Monday.
Brit Fearnley fought hard to post a 7-6(3), 6-3, 7-6(2) triumph over the returning Kyrgios in their first-round encounter in the year’s first Grand Slam event.
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Kyrgios, who returned to action earlier in the year following an extended bout on the sidelines due to an injury that required surgery, was outdone by his British opponent at the John Caine Arena in their first-round encounter.
Kyrgios was in visible unease multiple time through the course of the game as he consulted his physios time and again with his wist giving him a torrid time.
The same was observed by Fearnley who sympathised with his opponent’s plight on the day as he struggled to find his rhythm due to his bouts of pain.
“I’m sorry for Nick. I could tell he was dealing with some issues,” Fearnley said.
“I knew I wasn’t going to be able to get you guys on my side,” Fearnley told the Aussie crowd.
“So I was just trying to focus on myself, try to play my game and do the best I could to try to move past every point,” the Brit added.
“I think all things considered, it’s probably the best match I’ve ever played,” the 23-year-old opined.
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In sharp contrast to Kyrgios’ game, Spanish sensation Carlos Alacaraz breezed past his first hurdle down under with a statement straight sets win over Alexander Shevchenko. The 21-year-old Alcaraz, who is looking to complete a career slam at such a young age, posted a 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 win against Kazakh Shevchenko in a match that lasted just under the two-hour mark.