From sick-bed to second round

By Reuters, Melbourne
18 January 2022, 18:00 PM
UPDATED 19 January 2022, 00:00 AM
Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.

Nick Kyrgios promised COVID-weary fans a show after recovering from his own infection and duly delivered on Tuesday with a tweener-laden 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over Briton Liam Broady on Tuesday to reach the Australian Open second round.

Sealing the win with a furious backhand return down the line, Kyrgios dropped an "F-bomb" in his televised on-court interview and performed Cristiano Ronaldo's trademark post-goal celebration.

On his way out of the arena, he took a swig of beer from a cup offered by a fan. COVID-19 be damned.

"I served ... well today," said Kyrgios with an obscenity as fans roared in agreement. I don't know what I have done to this crowd as you guys are a zoo now. I am super happy to be here again."