Nick Kyrgios' Australian Open return ends in first round

NEW DELHI: Nick Kyrgios's much-anticipated return to the Australian Open ended abruptly on Monday as the volatile hometown favorite crashed out in straight sets during the first round, venting his frustration at his coaching team throughout the match.

Britain's Jacob Fearnley silenced the typically raucous John Cain Arena crowd with a composed 7-6 (7/3), 6-3, 7-6 (7/2) victory over the 2022 Wimbledon finalist.

Kyrgios had only recently returned to competition after an 18-month layoff, during which he underwent knee surgery and wrist reconstruction.

Concerns about Kyrgios's fitness had resurfaced when he withdrew from an exhibition match against Novak Djokovic four days prior, citing an abdominal strain.

The fears were confirmed during the match, as the Australian called for physio assistance multiple times in the second set and visibly winced while serving.

"I'm sorry for Nick," said Fearnley. "I could tell he was dealing with some issues.

"I knew I wasn't going to be able to get you guys on my side," Fearnley told the pro-Kyrgios 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.

"I think all things considered, it's probably the best match I've ever played."

The first set saw few break opportunities, with both players dominating on serve. However, Fearnley, ranked 92nd in the world, seized control during the tiebreak, surging to a 6-1 lead with a cross-court pass and an ace.

Kyrgios fended off two of five set points with powerful serves but ultimately conceded the set in 45 minutes.

Kyrgios, visibly frustrated, directed a barrage of verbal outbursts at his coaching box between sets. Despite the distractions, Fearnley maintained his composure, breaking Kyrgios early in the second set and comfortably closing it out.

"What's the point, boys?" shouted Kyrgios at his team, in one of his milder outbursts.

"I'm going to keep going until I can't any more."

Fearnley secured another early break in the third set, but Kyrgios, ever the showman, rallied for a late surge.

Battling through evident pain, he broke back, held serve to love for a 4-3 lead, and briefly electrified the crowd.

The Australian earned a set point at 4-5 on Fearnley's serve, but the Briton calmly saved it to force a tiebreak.

In the decisive tiebreak, Fearnley held his nerve to seal the match after 2 hours and 19 minutes. He advances to face France's Arthur Cazaux in the second round.

The victory marked just the third ATP Tour-level win for the 23-year-old Fearnley, who captured four Challenger titles last year.