After a break-out 2014 season, Nick Kyrgios begins his Sydney International with a tough match-up against former Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 9:00pm (AEDT).
Having withdrawn from the Hopman Cup due to injury, Kyrgios is fit and ready to fire in his first official match of the season.
The young Australian is coming off a strong 2014 season which was highlighted by his stunning victory over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.
That victory showed that Kyrgios has the talent, power and confidence to establish himself as one of the very best players on the ATP tour.
However, Kyrgios is no longer an unknown prodigy on tour and the best players will be more prepared when they confront arguably Australian tennis’ brightest star.
Indeed Kyrgios has a tough ask in the opening round of the Apia International today. He faces the big-serving Polish player Janowicz, who on his day is capable of beating anyone.
Janowicz’s career highlights include appearances in the final of the 2012 Paris Masters and the semi-finals of the 2013 Wimbledon championships. His form however has dropped off significantly and he now finds himself ranked 43rd in the world.
What Janowicz does have is matches under his belt this season. The Polish player competed at the Hopman Cup and played in the final against the United States. Such time on court may give Janowicz the edge against an opponent just returning from injury.
Given that this is Kyrgios’ first match of the season, expect the Australian to be a little rusty on court as he bids to regain full fitness ahead of the Australian Open.
With both players possessing big games, Kyrgios’ flamboyancy may just be enough for him to secure victory in a tight contest.
Kyrgios in three sets.
Riordan Lee
Editor
I really like the look of Kyrgios. Great composure under pressure, good game sense, doesn't overplay the big points and has enough weapons in his little bag of tricks. And he's a fighter!
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios nets his return and Janowicz is through to the next round here after defeating Kyrgios in a great three set contest in just over 2 hours. Kyrgios in his first match of the season had a slow start but got better as the game wore on, and most importantly he got a good workout before the Aus Open. Janowicz served well under pressure when he was 15-40 down at one stage in the third set but held his nerve to win a tight contest. Good game.
Alan
Roar Guru
GAME SET AND MATCH JANOWICZ Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 7
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz with a poor return there when facing the second serve and one match point saved by Kyrgios. Janowicz's forehand ruled to have gone long here.... Challenge is called but Janowicz's forehand is long! Another match point saved Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Great serving from Janowicz and its three match points for the Polish player.... Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz with clutch tennis there as he produces a forehand winner. 5-3 now Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Great wide serve and forehand combination from Kyrgios. Still trails 4-3 though Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz misses an easy volley at the net and Kyrgios gets away with one big time! 4-2. Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz with a great ace down the tee and its 3-1. The Pole in pole position here! Janowicz now leads 4-1 as Kyrgios nets the return... Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
The match on the line now. Should be a great tiebreaker. Janowicz with a brave backhand drop shot and he pulls it off well. 1-0. Kyrgios responds with a great serve and forehand combination for 1-1. Kyrgios long with the backhand though and Janowicz 2-1 up Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios with the backhand down the line winner and its tiebreaker time! Kyrgios 1 7 6 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios races to 40-15. Only fitting that this tight contest be decided by the tiebreaker. Janowicz though with other ideas. Forehand winner for 30 all Kyrgios 1 7 5 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios with a serve down the tee for 15-0. Janowicz too good with the forehand crosscourt for 15 all Kyrgios 1 7 5 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz with good serving yet again and he holds well. Kyrgios to serve to stay in the match yet again Kyrgios 1 7 5 Janowicz 6 6 6
Alan
Roar Guru
Great second serve from Janowicz. 15 love. Janowicz wide with the backhand for 15 all Kyrgios 1 7 5 Janowicz 6 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios holds easily and its 5-5 final set Kyrgios 1 7 5 Janowicz 6 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Kyrgios with an ace for 30-15. 16 aces so far for the Australian. 40-15 now Kyrgios 1 7 4 Janowicz 6 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Great serving from Janowicz under pressure to hold despite being 15-40 down. A big game now for Kyrgios Kyrgios 1 7 4 Janowicz 6 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz holds very well and now the pressure is on Kyrgios to hold to stay in the match. Kyrgios 1 7 4 Janowicz 6 6 5
Alan
Roar Guru
Janowicz with clutch serving gets it back to deuce. Game point now Kyrgios 1 7 4 Janowicz 6 6 4