Nick Kyrgios vs Lorenzo Sonego, Australian Open 2020, first round: live score and latest updates
McEnroe thanks Kyrgios for his bushfire relief efforts
It's a statement that, rightly, brings a great round of applause from the crowd. Those 14 aces will also add to the his contribution.
The volume goes up even higher when J-Mac announces he will donate another 1,000 Australian dollars for every set Kyrgios wins at the Australian Open this year.
Reaction
I was just really excited to get out here, obviously it's been an emotional couple of months for all of us.
He's a tough competitor, I've played him once, I knew it was going to be tough.
This is one of my favourite courts in the world, I always request to play here. I feel super comfortable, I feel the support.
I've got a great team behind me. I didn't feel alone tonight, I feel strong and ready to go again.
I just move like a giraffe sometimes, I just tripped over (in response to queries over any injury concerns in the third set)
Kyrgios wins
The Australian and 23rd seed is through to the second round as his home Slam. McEnroe creeps onto the court....
GAME, SET, MATCH: Kyrgios 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-1) Sonego
Sonego lets out a groan and looks to the heavens as he skews a potential winner wide. Another torrent of frustrated Italian words escape his mouth after a careless shot long. Kyrgios drops one into the net but an ace then makes matters 3-1. Heart in mouth moment for the Australian when Sonego somehow manages to gather a drop-shot but his effort goes long. Oh no, double fault makes it 5-1. One-way traffic here in this tie-break. Sonego digs one off his laces but his effort his love. Five match points Kyrgios. And he only needs one when Sonego returns long.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-6 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
There were shouts of 'finish him off' to Kyrgios from the crowd as Sonego went to begin his service game to stay in the match. Had the opposite impact actually as the Italian held to love. We're into a third-set tie-break.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 6-5 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Service winner from Kyrgios. It's followed by a cute drop-shot and an ace for 40-0. Sonego not going out without a fight as he climbs into a backhand winner down the line. When he drags Sonego out wide with a powerful serve, Kyrgios only has to nudge casually over the net. Clever.
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 5-5 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego serving to stay in the match. An ace adds fuel to the life-support system. The next point both players should have won during a mini-game of volley-right-at-you at the net but it is Kyrgios who goes wide for 30-0. Forehand unforced effort from Sonego but then he regathers himself to close out the game.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 5-4 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
The world number 53 needs something in this game really to stem the tide in this match. He'll take that! Krygios, facing all the time in the world, almost gets caught in two minds with his shot selection inside the baseline and his flying forehand is wide. Unfortunately for Sonego, that's the only gift he's going to get and at 40-15 down, the game is over with a cleverly-disguised drop-shot from Kyrgios.
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 4-4 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Light and dark, good and bad. Ace followed by an unforced error off the backhand. Sonego then passes the test of endurance over a 21-shot baseline when Kyrgios nets. Another two errors off the Australian's racquet and we're level in the third.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 4-3 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Oh how Sonego must wish he can get closer to Kyrgios on his own serve. There is encouragement with a sublime cross court effort from a backhand down the line from Kyrgios. But unfortunately that is the only highlight for the Italian from the game. He's yet to engineer an entire break point all match.
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 3-3 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Looking for an easier service game than the last, an ace is a good way to start for Sonego. Another serve down the middle and Kyrgios can only send it long for 30-0. Backhand cross court and Kyrgios again unable to return. Another error from Kyrgios and a much welcome easy hold for Sonego.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 3-2 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Towards the end of that game, Kyrgios shouted 'go home!', seemingly at himself. Anymore double faults like that one and he might even consider something stronger! A burning forehand winner from Sonego worsens his mood still at 0-30. Kyrgios fires back up the old power serve to save himself at 30-30 before a superbly constructed rally ends with him volleying into the open court. Another serve and Sonego cannot return. Hold Kyrgios.
Man loves a ��@NickKyrgios | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/zfEZyrXfZK
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 21, 2020
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 2-2 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Hang on, Kyrgios clutches at his left hip/side momentarily after moving 0-30 up on Sonego's serve. Has all that hot-dogging tweaked something, somewhere? Ace, followed by a forehand winner brings Sonego level. But Kyrgios shows his physical form is good for now by bullying his opponent out of an 19-shot rally for break point, with a tired Sonego hitting into the net. The Italian saves himself with a strong serve but he's quickly facing a second break point. Ace. And then he drops the ball short, prompting Kyrgios to stretch on the volley, and leaving the court free for an Italian winner. And there's a crucial hold.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 2-1 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Backhand error from Sonego followed by another Kyrgios ace. But that's what the crowd love to see, as Kyrgios toys with his opponent before pulling out a hot-dog lob for 40-0! He tries it again on the next point too as he scampers back on the turn from the net after a bit of close-quarters volleying. Another ace cleans thing up then. Hot-dog fever out there!
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 1-1 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
A couple of signs of fatigue from Sonego creeping in? He dumps two consecutive tired-looking shots into the net and the ball is barely half way up the net at 15-30. Ah perhaps not, as he finds an extra spring of step to dig himself out for the hold.
Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) 1-0 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego nipped off for a comfort break at the end of the second set. A chance to gather his thoughts and try and figure out a way of getting anywhere near Kyrgios on serve.
Promising as they trade early points for 15-15. Oh but here's the ace show. 1,2,3. (Of course, each ace brings good news for the Australian bushfire fund with Kyrgios having committed 200 Aussie dollars for each one while playing in Australia)
Two sets to the good for Kyrgios
*Kyrgios 6-2 7-6 (7-3) Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego double faults away his serving advantage. Kyrgios responds with an error off his own racquet but there is an ace from the Australian for 2-1. Kyrgios peppers his opponent's backhand for a while, moves him to the left and then ends a 22-shot rally by cutting the ball over the net on the angle. Long lob from Kyrgios makes it 3-2 before sharp serving extends it to 4-2. Switch of ends and Sonego boomerangs a forehand into the open court. But Kyrgios, once again, is too good on the baseline in quick succession and brings up two set points. Serve-volley does the job.
Kyrgios 6-2 6-6 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Oooph, that was ugly. Serve out wide, Sonego is so far out of court, it's on a plate for the Australian but Kyrgios volleys the return wide. No matter, there's three aces to make amends. And almost a fourth but it clips the net. He tells Sonego he is going out wide again, and even with a warning the Italian cannot return! Tie-break.
*Kyrgios 6-2 5-6 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
B-e-a-utiful! Even Kyrgios applauds a shot well executed as Sonego cuts short the rally with a cute drop-shot. His net work is just as strong too at 30-0, leaping high and arching his back to win another. Kyrgios again applauds. Unforced error Kyrgios and the love hold pattern continues.
Kyrgios 6-2 5-5 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
What pressure? A first-serve masterclass and a hold to love.
*Kyrgios 6-2 4-5 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
For all this talk of Kyrgios dominance on serve, Sonego brings up 11 points in a row on his own serve for 30-0, including getting the better of his opponent in a baseline tussle. Ah I jinxed him, he goes long on the next.
But another well worked point brings up 40-15 before Kyrgios nets. Over to you K-dog, serving to stay in the set.
Kyrgios 6-2 4-4 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
After a bit of phone light waving from the crowd, the lights are back. But is Kyrgios's head back in the game? Let's see.
A serve of 133mph suggests he is. Maybe he's taking his aggression out on the ball. It's quickly 40-15. First serve is a dud but after floating over the second (relatively), he whips a backhand across court for the game.
*Kyrgios 6-2 3-4 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Fortunately Sonego is able to hold up his end of the bargain on serve too, bringing up 30-0 himself. Ah, what's this? The first glimpse of petulance from Kyrgios? He's chuntering away, or more specifically telling someone 'you are p****** me off'. Not immediately clear who has upset the Australian, but it could even be himself. Sonego closes out the game and Kyrgios shakes his head. And with that the lights have temporarily gone out on the arena...
Kyrgios 6-2 3-3 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego's running stats are certainly going to be high in this match. At times, Kyrgios almost seems to be toying with him, such is his confidence in the longer rallies. The Italian just cannot get a look in on his opponent's serve. In the blink of an eye, that one has passed 40-15.
*Kyrgios 6-2 2-3 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Oohs and aaahs galore around the stadium as these two engage in a bit of cat and mouse around the net which Sonego eventually succeeds in winning as Kyrgios can't make up ground. A confidence-boosting overhead smash as well in there for Sonego as he holds to love.
Kyrgios 6-2 2-2 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
The likes of Nadal and co could take note from Kyrgios and his serve. No messing... bounce the ball a few times and then power the ball down the court. It's working for the Australian who is dominating on his serve this match. Even when the rally opens up, he's got the mark of his opponent, who lets out a yelp of frustration after another unforced error. Kyrgios takes a volley early to wrap up the game.
*Kyrgios 6-2 1-2 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
A slight lull in atmosphere as these two feel their way into this second set. Sonego is too loose with his forehand leaving Kyrgios a slight glimmer at 40-30. But a lack of footwork on the baseline brings out a laboured backhand which he dumps into the net. Hold Sonego.
Kyrgios 6-2 1-1 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
It's like watching a repeat of the start of the match. Kyrgios responds with his own hold without conceding a point.
Landing 74% of his first serves, it's @NickKyrgios who takes the opening set 6-2 over Sonego#AO2020 | #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/7EWNzcPDim
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020
*Kyrgios 6-2 0-1 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Great response from Sonego with a hold to love. Mind, he did start the match with the same and ended up losing the first set.
Kyrgios 6-2 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego not letting the set slip straight out of his hands. Back-to-back points brings up 0-30 but Kyrgios responds with an ace and another big serve to level. Kyrgios right in control now, owning the mid-court against his scampering opponent and bringing up a set point with a volley. Another big swing of shoulder and arm and Sonego is unable to return the serve. Very business-like from Kyrgios.
*Kyrgios 5-2 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Backhand error Sonego and Kyrgios starting to bring out the party shots with an running lob but it's narrowly out. Double fault lets Kyrgios back in though and he takes full advantage, bringing up two break points and getting Sonego on the run. A fiece return cannons off the Italian's racquet rim and ricochets into the crowd. Kyrgios to serve for the set.
Kyrgios 4-2 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Kyrgios loves playing on this court because of the raucous atmosphere the fans generate. He's loving this too, running onto a Sonego mid-court return to dispatch with aplomb. Ace. Overhead smash. Making out to play Sonego's return knowing full well it was going long. It all brings a love to hold and a real foothold in this set.
*Kyrgios 3-2 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Point of the match so far. Kyrgios pats the ball back in off a rapid serve, Sonego goes for the drop shot but the Australian is onto it in a flash and guides it over the net at a fine angle. Son-dog reaches it but it's only good for the net. Kyrgios then unleashes an unstoppable backhand winner to nudge ahead. The two trade points and we're into deuce. Ace Sonego, forehand winner Kyrgios. Longest rally of the match brings up break point Kyrgios. Sonego flicks away a cross-court forehand to save it. Kyrgios works his opponent right to left before putting it away for a second break point. He misses the chance but quickly eeks another mistake from his opponent for a third break point and it is third time lucky for the Australian.
Kyrgios 2-2 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Kyrgios not hanging about here as he rattles through his service game, including a nonchalant serve-volley to finish the game off at 40-15.
*Kyrgios 1-2 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
A sense of these two still trying to suss each other out as they engage in a long base-line rally before Kyrgios dumps into the net. That's better though, as he unleashes his forehand weapon across court to level up. Ace Sonego. Another big serve but Kyrgios digs it out, goes on the attack and then puts in a cheeky drop-shot his opponent cannot retrieve. 30-30. Another two big serves digs out the Italian, including an ace to finish off.
Kyrgios 1-1 Sonego* (*denotes next to serve)
Sonego may have impressed on serve first up but he's yet to get his backhand in working order yet. Four straight off the racket leaves Kyrgios responding with a love-hold of his own.
*Kyrgios 0-1 Sonego (*denotes next to serve)
Son-dog starts us off. And exactly the sort of hold you want to begin with. An ace and forehand winner sandwiched either side of two unforced errors from Kyrgios
Head to head
These two have met once before, at the Cincinnati Masters last year. Kyrgios took that one in straight sets.
Mere moments away from this one starting
Contrasting styles
Kyrgios looking like he's just come off the beach in a air of multi-coloured shorts and a salmon pink shirt. His opponent Lorenzo Sonego, meanwhile, dressed more in your traditional tennis attire - white shirt with a black pattern.
Tennis incoming
After a bit of a delay (both our end and around the Melbourne Arena), we're nearly set with the players on court and about to begin their warm ups
Bad boy turned good
Hello and welcome to coverage of tennis' favourite 'bad boy' Nick Kyrgios, who begins his Aussie Open campaign against Italian Lorenzo Sonego.
Kyrgios is a bit like Marmite, but things seem to be looking up for him. At least until his next on-court tantrum.
Last month he was voted the second most hated sportsperson of the decade behind Oscar Pistorius in a poll in the Herald Sun newspaper.
But Kyrgios' reputation has taken an upward curve after he used social media to urge tennis to help the relief efforts for the devastating fires that have swept the country.
He pledged to donate 200 Australian dollars (approximately £105) for every ace he serves this month, and that began a trend of sportspeople making similar commitments, while an exhibition event held at Melbourne Park last week raised millions of dollars.
Kyrgios was one of the star names to take part and, asked if he had felt more warmth from fans, he said:
Maybe a little. Every time I play here, I'm well supported. All my practices are pretty full. I think people are excited to see me. I guess with everything going on, the other stuff outside tennis, maybe that's more what they support rather than my tennis itself.
Alex De Minaur's withdrawal through injury has left Kyrgios as the leading Australian man at Melbourne Park, and, despite his inconsistency, he remains one of the few players capable of beating the top players. He admitted it is difficult to focus on tennis at the moment, but believes that could help him.
It's tough. The fires, people are losing their families, homes. It's not easy to just completely switch your concentration on the Australian Open - how is your forehand going today? - when you put it in perspective of what is actually going on.
At the same time, I have to find the balance. I have to go out there and try to get the best out of my game. But at the moment I'm playing for a lot more than myself. I feel like I'm getting the best out of myself with that.
