A furious Nick Kyrgios has advanced into the second round of the US Open after flirting with disqualification for a number of emotional outbursts against Mikhail Youzhny on Monday morning.
Coming off a Wimbledon upset of Rafael Nadal in July, Kyrgios outclassed the Russian No.21 seed 7-5, 7-6 (4), 2-6, 7-6 (1) while playing nearly the entire fourth set just one indiscretion away from being ejected after losing his temper in a controversial third set.
The 19-year-old fell to the frustration, earning three code violations for intentionally sending one ball out of the stadium before dropping a couple of easily audible F-bombs.
He was docked a game to fall behind 3-1 in a forgettable third set for the teenager, who took a more mature approach when discussing his actions post-match.
“It just comes from having high expectations most of the time,” Kyrgios said.
“I have been an emotional player most of my career. Maybe I will be able to manage it in the future.
“It’s a work in progress. It’s something that’s always been there.”
While his on-court actions resemble those of a spoiled child, his response to the setback was far more impressive; brilliantly using his strong serve and backhand to help him claim 17 of the final 25 points of the match to propel him to a second round meeting with the 49th-ranked Andreas Seppi of Italy.
“It will be an interesting match. He’s solid on both wings. He has a good serve, as well,” Kyrgios said of his upcoming opponent. “I think I’m going to have to play aggressive and keep the match on my racket. It’s going to be exciting.”
Fellow Aussies Matt Ebden and Anastasia Rodionova also enjoyed opening day victories.
Hampered by injury, Ebden overcame a hip complaint to send home German Tobias Kamke 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and 33 minutes while the 32-year-old Rodionova completed a massive upset over world No.31 Camila Giorgi, 1-6 7-5 6-3.
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