Nick Kyrgios starts his Australian Open campaign tonight against Liam Broady on John Cain Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm AEDT.
Part of the attraction of a Nick Kyrgios match is that you never know what you’re going to get. This is even more true tonight considering the Aussie’s lack of preparation after he contracted COVID just 10 days ago.
Kyrgios is always keen to finish his matches as quickly as possible but expect him to be ultra-aggressive as he tries his best to get off the court quickly. If the match does stretch into a fourth or fifth set the advantage goes towards the Brit.
Broady is a left-hander and ranked 127th in the world.
He comes into the match with a lot of tennis under his belt. He needed a deciding third set in each of his qualifying matches so expect Broady to be on his game in the first.
Kyrgios has always loved the John Cain Arena which he sees as ‘the people’s court.’ Those who have a ground pass are able to access the court and Kyrgios loves entertaining the vocal crowd.
26-year-old Kyrgios has now played in 11 Australian Opens and his best result remains the quarter-finals in 2015.
As with all the players on the men’s side there is a big chance to go deep in the tournament with two of the big three missing in Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Whatever happens tonight it’s sure to be entertaining.
Venue: John Cain Arena, Melbourne
Start Time: 7:30pm approximately (AEDT)
TV/Stream: Channel 9, 9Now, Stan Sport
Betting: Kyrgios: $1.47; Broady: $2.68 (odds via PlayUp)
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining the blog tonight. See you next time
David Holden
Roar Guru
You can catch the match stats here:
David Holden
Roar Guru
After a less than perfect build up, that was an impressive first round from Kyrgios. He looked in total control from start to finish and stepped up whenever he was in the slightest bit of trouble. The second round match up with Daniil Medvedev will be one to watch for sure and if Kyrgios can produce his best....well, you never know!
David Holden
Roar Guru
NICK KYRGIOS DEFEATS LIAM BROADY 6-4 6-4 6-3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Backhand return winner down the line and Kyrgios has done it. Kyrgios 6 6 6 Broady 4 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Broady misses the drive volley and match points. 15-40
David Holden
Roar Guru
Kyrgios catches the tape with his forehand down the line. 15-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great backhand down the line from Kyrgios. 0-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
Broady misses the backhand down the line. 0-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great serving from Kyrgios Kyrgios 6 6 5 Broady 4 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sliding serve and Broady misses the pass. 40-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Broady sends his forehand just wide. 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great serve sets up the big forehand. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Nice hold again for Broady Kyrgios 6 6 4 Broady 4 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great backhand winner from Broady. 40-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good forehands from Broady win that. 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Ace out wide to start for Broady. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Ace down the T for the hold Kyrgios 6 6 4 Broady 4 4 2
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good body serve draws the error. 40-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Drop shot gets run down again. 30-15