Nick Kyrgios’ long-awaited return to tennis was over before it even started at the Australian Open having been stunned by Jacob Fearnley.
The Canberra-born hometown hero was close to withdrawing from his first Grand Slam since 2022 before British No.3 Fearnley finished him off in straight sets (7-6, 6-3, 7-6).
World No.86 Fearnley bagged himself a two-set lead during the course of which Kyrgios twice requested medical time outs.
Pointing and clutching at his abdomen, it was clear all was not well for Kyrgios in the first round clash.
Yet he rediscovered his form in the third set and it looked like an almighty comeback might be on.
However, after some nervy stumbles, 23-year-old Fearnley was able to regather himself and forced a tie-break which he won convincingly at 7-2.
Kyrgios had spent an entire 18 months on the sidelines due to wrist and knee injuries but returned to action at the Brisbane International on New Years Eve.
More to follow…
