ACAPULCO, Mexico, (MILLAT/APP/AFP) – Australian bad
boy Nick Kyrgios steamrollered Novak Djokovoc in straight sets at
the Mexico Open, dealing a major blow to the world number two’s
hopes of regaining his mantle of invincibility.
The 21-year-old Kyrgios overpowered Djokovic with 25 aces
in the 7-6 (11/9), 7-5 triumph as the Serb sought to rebuild
confidence after his shattering second round defeat at the
Australian Open in January.
The Australian, letting his tennis skill take centre stage
instead of his tantrums, won 81 percent of his first-serve points
as he dominated his first ever match with Djokovic.
Djokovic fell in the Australian Open to Uzbekistan’s Denis
Istomin, then did not play again until this week. He managed only
one win, against Slovakia’s Martin Klizan, before losing
his quarter-final to Kyrgios.
The world No. 17 Kyrgios delivered another giant
killer performance as he also beat Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer
in their first ATP tour level meetings.