Australian Open: let the games begin! Nick Kyrgios, Daniil Medvedev and a duel with history
Daniil Medvedevis already dealing with local hero Nick Kyrgios in the second round of the Australian Open. A duel with history.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jan 19, 2022, 06:38 pm
Daniil Medvedev is probably the player in the 128 men's grid at the Australian Open who should be most upset that the final decision about Novak Djokovic's appearance was not made before the draw for the first major tournament of the year. Instead of enjoying the number one position in the "Happy Slam" Down Under, the top-ranked player in the draw is now in a veritable minefield at the bottom.
The clearest manifestation of which is already waiting for the US Open champion from 2021 in round two: In the round of the last 64, the Russian will face Nick Kyrgios. At his first appearance at the Australian Open, he impressively demonstrated that his journey does not have to end after just two matches.
Kyrgios with a clear plan against Medvedev
The Australian showed himself well aware that there will be a clash with Medvedev in round two in his interview after the clear opening success against Liam Broady - who, after all, was able to disenchant ATP Cup buddy and compatriot of Daniil Medvedev, Roman Safiullin, in the qualification - combative: "It's going to be a great experience for me. He's probably the best player in the world right now. So I'm pretty excited, I'm looking forward to that moment. That's why I'm playing the game."
However, Kyrgios already has a plan in mind for how he will design the match against the current world number two, as he explained: "I will not approach the matter with great expectations. I will go out there, have some fun and play my game. I have a pretty solid plan of what I need to do to be successful," Kyrgios said.
Medvedev without a win against Kyrgios
In any case, Daniil Medvedev will be warned about the strengths of the local hero, as the Russian looks back on an extremely dark past with Kyrgios: the two faced each other twice on the ATP tour, and twice the eccentric from Down Under left the place as the winner . And the first round against Liam Broady showed: Nick Kyrgios is in an excellent mood to play.
In the recent win over Medvedev in Washington in 2019, Kyrgios put on a similar show as he did against Broady on Tuesday. Back then in Washington, the Australian asked a fan for help placing his serve - and of course also sprinkled in one or the other tweener. Antics that mark the show-man's game. And antics, which will also be shown on Thursday. When it comes to the highly anticipated duel between Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios.
Here is the men's individual tableau
laver arena