Nick Kyrgios went down to world No. 2, Daniil Medvedev, in four sets 7-6 (7-1), 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 during their second round clash at the Australian Open on Thursday night.
There were moments of magic from Kyrgios — like a ridiculous reaction volley that sent him running away for half a lap of honour — but Medvedev was simply too good for too long.
Medvedev blasted 68 winners, including 31 aces, compared to Kyrgios’ 47 winners and 17 aces, respectively.
Despite this tough result in the second round of his home slam, Kyrgios said he was “incredibly proud” of his performance against the man many expect to hold the trophy aloft now Novak Djokovic is out of contention.
“I gave it everything, I put on a good performance. I think he’s going to be favoured to win the Australian Open. I can’t be too upset,” Kyrgios said after the match.
For his part, Medvedev said he came to “win the match” and he was “happy” he managed to do it.
“It was a fighting match, we both served big,” Medvedev added. “These matches can get tight.”
Kyrgios is now scheduled to play singles at next month’s Dallas Open. But first, the men’s doubles competition continues today for Kyrgios and countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis, as the wildcard pairing meet top seeds Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.
Medvedev will take on world No. 57 Botic van de Zandschulp in the third round of the Australian Open.
