By ESPN | Created at 2025-01-13 11:25:29 | Updated at 2025-01-13 18:06:38
7 hours ago
ESPN
Jan 13, 2025, 05:38 AM ET
Britain's Jacob Fearnley produced an Australian Open shock on Monday by knocking out Nick Kyrgios on his much-anticipated return at his home Grand Slam.
Fearnley, ranked No. 92 in the world, dispatched Kyrgios in straight sets to advance to the second round -- with the enigmatic 29-year-old Australian frequently displaying his anger and clutching at an apparent injury during the match.
Kyrgios came into the Australian Open having played only two singles matches since October 2022 due to a series of career-threatening injuries and looked short of form, fitness and serving power against the impressive Fearnley, who was broken only once on his way to a comprehensive 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (1) victory.
While Kyrgios teased a third-set fightback to get the home crowd roaring, the former world no.13 and Wimbledon finalist's 2025 hopes will now turn elsewhere.
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