Nick Kyrgios facest his biggest test for a long time against one of the world’s best in Daniil Medvedev tonight at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the action from 7pm (AEDT).
After a straight-sets win over Liam Broady on Tuesday night, we know that Nick Kyrgios is in good condition, following his COVID setback, and is hitting the ball well.
However, he will need to lift his game to another level if he hopes to upset World no 2, Russian Daniil Medvedev. Medvedev is also coming off a comfortable first round win but would view this match as a potential stumbling block.
That’s because Kyrgios leads the head to head 2-0, both in 2019. Kyrgios defeated Medvedev in straight sets in Washington on hard court and in three sets in Rome on clay.
Medvedev has improved since then of course whilst Kyrgios has endured a less than perfect preparation.
However, in front of a home crowd, Kyrgios will be looking to put on a show. Medvedev will need to play well to see off the challenge.
Prediction
Not that long ago, playing Kyrgios in Australia may have brought out the ugly side in Medvedev.
However, I think he has matured over the last few years and, in Novak Djokovic’s absence, would see himself with a big chance of grabbing another major.
Kyrgios may snag a set but I can’t see him winning the match.
Daniil Medvedev in four sets.
Venue: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Start Time: 7:10pm approximately (AEDT)
TV/Stream: Channel 9, 9Now, Stan Sport
Betting: Kyrgios: $6.10; Medvedev: $1.12 (odds via PlayUp)
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. I think there may be as much coverage on the crowd behaviour as the tennis itself on this one. I will be switching over to BBL finals blogs from here but hope to get the chance for more tennis sometime on the weekend.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Daniil Medvedev showed why he is no 2 in the world tonight. He is absolutely relentless on the court and kept making returns on Nick Kyrgios' serve that wouldn't normally come back. Kyrgios was impressive which hopefully gives him the impetus to play more tennis in 2022. Medvedev is drawn to play 57th ranked Botic van de Zandschulp in the 3rd round.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Great result. NICK off!
David Holden
Roar Guru
DANIIL MEDVEDEV DEFEATS NICK KYRGIOS 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-2
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios sends the forehand wide and Medvedev advances Kyrgios 6 4 6 2 Medvedev 7 6 4 6
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios goes long on the forehand and two match points. 15-40
David Holden
Roar Guru
Drop shot just too good from Medvedev. 15-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good serve brings it back to 15-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios gets his second code violation so is down 0-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Too good on the serve and another ace. Kyrgios 6 4 6 2 Medvedev 7 6 4 5
David Holden
Roar Guru
Medvedev with the forehand winner. 40-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good serving brings up 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios misses with the off forehand. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Medvedev makes the pass with the backhand and grabs a vital break. Kyrgios 6 4 6 2 Medvedev 7 6 4 4
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great sliding serve saves one. 30-40
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios forehand volley miss and he is down 2 break points. 15-40
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios with the forehand error after Medvedev dominates the rally. 15-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
Backhand return catches the tape. 15-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great topspin lob from Medvedev. 0-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Classy serving from Medvedev and he holds Kyrgios 6 4 6 2 Medvedev 7 6 4 3