WASHINGTON ( Associated Press) – Nick Kyrgios defeated local Marcos Giron at the Washington Open on Tuesday in the Australian’s first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon final.
Less than a month after playing his first Grand Slam final, in which he lost to Novak Djokovic, Kyrgios defeated Giron 6-2, 6-3.
After losing the title match at Wimbledon, this result could hardly comfort him, but it will at least boost his confidence.
“It was a golden opportunity for me,” Kyrgios said. “There are a lot of things that I should have done differently. I think I’ve digested that game now, but I’m doing the right things to get myself back into that position. I think I I am achieving it, and my entire team helps me achieve that goal.”
Kyrgios carried on the tradition that began after winning this hard-court, US Open-prep tournament in 2019. Asked by a fan where he should serve to win match points, he proceeded to face Tommy Paul in the round of 32.
“I wish I had that experience when I was watching a tennis match,” Kyrgios said. “I think it’s a great experience to have someone who has given you money to play and potentially go home with that memory.”
The Australian tries to leave behind the memory of losing to Djokovic at Wimbledon and the first round loss in Washington a year ago. He believes that he is playing perhaps the best tennis of his career.
“I’m having a great year,” he remarked. “I think if Wimbledon had scored, I would have been in the top 15 or 20 in the world. I definitely feel like I’m playing tennis of that level if not in the top 10 or top five.”
Top seed Andrey Rublev advanced to the Round of 16 with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Jack Draper.
In the women’s section, Ajla Toljanovic of Australia defeated local Sloane Stephens 6-1, 6-4.
