Nick Kyrgios meets the big-serving John Isner in the second Davis Cup tie between Australia and the United States of America. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from around 3pm (AEDT).
The Australian comes into this match in the form of his life, having reached three tour semi-finals and a quarter-final since the end of February.
After his disappointing run at the Australian Open, and with the public turning on him, Kyrgios seems to have come full circle in terms of attitude both on and off the court, and he has the Davis Cup to thank for it.
Being part of Australia’s winning effort over the Czech Republic seemed to spark Kyrgios to life, and he has said as much in the media. A semi-final appearance in Acapulco after knocking over Novak Djokovic was the start of his run, before he did the same a fortnight later at Indian Wells.
It was another semi-final effort in Miami, beating Alexandr Zverev in an entertaining match on the way, before going down in a three-hour epic to Roger Federer in the semi-finals.
Isner has struggled for form in 2017 and it’s shown on the world rankings, where he has dropped outside of the top 20.
The worrying part for Isner is that he has been blown off the court by players he should be beating – think Steve Johnson and Donald Young – while he didn’t raise a fight against Gael Monfils or Alexander Zverev. Isner’s serve is still a weapon, but he has to be more consistent.
If he makes errors against Kyrgios, and the Australian maintains his mental state of mind throughout the five sets, then it could get ugly for Isner.
The biggest question over Kyrgios is his ability to concentrate and stay in the contest for five sets. He has had plenty of boil-overs before, with his loss to Andreas Seppi in the Australian Open headlining. Playing under Lleyton Hewitt though, it’s hard to see it happening.
Prediction
Given his form and new-found attitude, Kyrgios should pick up the win.
Kyrgios in four sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the second rubber from around 2:30pm (AEDT) or following Jordan Thompson versus Jack Sock and don’t forget to add a comment below.
donna m
Guest
two fine young athletes----how unfortunate that one is such a gentleman and the other is not
Scott Pryde
Expert
Absolutely fantastic day, but good competitive matches. Kyrgios and Thompson just too good at all the big moments. You're right. Kyrgios was smiling, not getting angry. Just did everything right. He really looks to have turned a corner.
Brissie Bay
Guest
Fantastic day for the Aussies. Never seen Kyrgios look so happy out on a tennis court. Looking forward to heading down to Tennyson for the doubles tomorrow, hopefully Peersy and Groth can wrap it up.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Right, that'll just about wrap up The Roar's live coverage of the 2017 Davis Cup for Day 1 of this tie between Australia and the USA. Thanks for joining me over the last six hours as Jordan Thompson and Nick Kyrgios got Australia off to a cracking start. I'll be back tomorrow as Australia look to close it out in the doubles. That starts at 1pm (AEST) so be sure to join me then. I'll also be live in just over an hour for the Penrith Panthers vs South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Kyrgios: "It was a lot of fun. Crowd was unbelievable today." "I had to take care of my serve. Isner is one of the best in the world, but I've been playing great tennis and playing really well."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match Roarers?
c
Roar Rookie
ya win
Scott Pryde
Expert
What a day for the Aussies. Plenty of pressure on the doubles for the USA tomorrow then, while Australia could wrap up the tie.
Scott Pryde
Expert
GAME, SET, MATCH NICK KYRGIOS He's done it! Kyrgios finishes it off with a big ace out wide and that just about sums up his game. Ace number 21 for Kyrgios and under pressure all the way, he has dominated in straight sets to win this. Australia lead the USA 2-0 Nick Kyrgios 7 7 7 John Isner 5 6 6
Scott Pryde
Expert
Oh wow! Kyrgios with a second point against the serve. Returns serve deep into the court again before coming forward for the volley. Simply brilliant and Kyrgios now has set and match point. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 6 Isner 5 6 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
Massive return of serve from Kyrgios and he gets on top of the point, coming to the net with Isner unable to put one over from behind the baseline. So, back on serve in the breaker. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 5 Isner 5 6 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Kyrgios goes down the T. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 4 Isner 5 6 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
Kyrgios wins the next point with an excellent backhand down the line. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 3 Isner 5 6 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
ACE! Isner with a booming serve down the T. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 2 Isner 5 6 6 - 5
Scott Pryde
Expert
Isner with a fault before Kyrgios gets the second back into play, but can't reach a massive forehand down the line. Playing too much defence there. Isner dominating right now. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 2 Isner 5 6 6 - 4
Scott Pryde
Expert
Kyrgios picks up the next point with some high quality tennis before he serves an ACE! Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 2 Isner 5 6 6 - 3
Scott Pryde
Expert
Another fault for Isner before Kyrgios returns on the forehand. He gets into the point, but then sends a backhand long. So, Isner consolidates the mini-break and all of a sudden it's Kyrgios under the pump. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 0 Isner 5 6 6 - 3
Scott Pryde
Expert
Isner with a fault before he attacks the body and Kyrgios can only return into the net. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 0 Isner 5 6 6 - 2
Scott Pryde
Expert
Isner has the mini-break! Kyrgios with a good serve, but a great return and then a lob as Kyrgios comes to the net. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - 0 Isner 5 6 6 - 1
Scott Pryde
Expert
Isner survives and the match rolls on! Kyrgios can't return the serve and he puts it into the net. Kyrgios 7 7 6 - Isner 5 6 6 -