Nick Kyrgios was up to his usual tricks in Washington as he scored a first-round win over Marcos Giron at the Citi Open.
The Australian cruised to victory in his first singles match since losing last month’s Wimbledon final to Novak Djokovic, taking just 59 minutes to seal a 6-3 6-2 result.
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Serving on match point, Kyrgios walked back to the crowd and engaged in a chat with a spectator. Known for asking fans where he should serve, it looked like the Canberran was doing just that.
The advice clearly didn’t hurt as he wrapped up proceedings.
Kyrgios blasted 12 aces and only lost 12 points off his own racquet in the straight sets demolition at the tournament he won in 2019.
Next up for the 27-year-old is Tommy Paul.
“I was in such a dark place last year when I played DC. Just very happy to be back here, a place where I won in 2019,” Kyrgios said.
The match came after Kyrgios confirmed on social media he would not be taking part in this year’s Laver Cup — a teams event that pits Team Europe against Team World, where Kyrgios has delivered plenty of entertainment in the past.
“No Laver Cup for me this year!!!” Kyrgios wrote on Instagram. “Just letting you all know.
“Gotta have that home time with my family and beautiful girlfriend.”
In the Washington women’s draw, Australian Ajla Tomljanovic advanced to the second round by beating 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens 6-1 6-4.
Like Kyrgios, Tomljanovic was also playing for the first time since her impressive run into the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
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