Summary
Well, the tennis was ultimately comfortable from Kyrgios, even if physically he looked to be challenged at times. Zeballos showed moments of class, and troubled the Australian early with his serve, but once Kyrgios had that figured out he was rarely threatened, with powerful serving and some good hands shown on return.
So, through to the third round at the US Open, equalling his best performance here, in 2014. His prospective opponents are currently on court, where Ilya Marchenko appears to be making a bright start against Bernard Tomic’s conquerer – the impressive Bosnian Damir Dzumhur – winning the first set 6-2, and presently on serve at 3-3 in the second.
A mixed morning for Australian tennis supporters therefore with Sam Stosur crashing out in the women’s singles, but if he can get the hip flexor issues sorted it appears Nick Kyrgios could finally deliver on his mercurial talent and go deep into this tournament.
Thanks for your company today – we’ll be here as long as Australia’s last/next great big hope is.
Kyrgios wins third set 6-4 and match
Zeballos with the first point. Can he rally? A wild and wooly attempted forehand, almost hitting the back wall on the full, as Kyrgios marches just two points away from the win. Two match points brought up with another ace. The Argentine hits long, and in the end it’s ultimately too good from Nick Kyrgios; 7-5, 6-4, 6-4.
Updated
Third set: *Kyrgios 5-4 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios looks to break to close out the match, but Zeballos fires back a thunderous few serves of his own. A better service game from the Argentine, who channeling Liv Tyler says to his opponent: if you want (it), come and claim it.
Might be a short-lived stay of execution though.
Updated
Third set: Kyrgios 5-3 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
An ace to start, just for something different. It’s raining bullets here, that last one at 135mph draws some showmanship from the Argentine. He’s pretending to look for binoculars to try and pick these serves and gets a good giggle from his opponent and the crowd.
Third set: *Kyrgios 4-3 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Another careless error from Zeballos – perhaps he’s trying the force the agenda too much here, and Kyrgios sneaks to 15-30. Another errant forehand and two more break points for the Australian. Zeballos saves one, before Kyrgios drifts one long to return to deuce. His rate of break point conversion might concern his coaches – he’s not taking too many of these chances, but importantly he’s still creating them.
Zeballos rallies to hold but he very much looks a dead man walking here.
Third set: Kyrgios 3-2 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Two more aces – I think that’s plus 20 for the match now, as Kyrgios rushes to 40-0. A double fault thrown in for good measure, but very, very easy for the world number 16.
Third set: *Kyrgios 3-2 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Nice chipped return from Kyrgios to win the opening point, before Zeballos moves to the net to fire straight back. The two trade basic errors to hit 30-30, before a double fault gives Kyrgios a break point. A huge moment of fortune for the Argentine who thumps the tape, only for his shot to drop over, a hand of apology offered.
Kyrgios rallies again though, and produces a stunning cross court return to snatch the break. We haven’t seen too many moments of electric tennis in this match, but that was certainly special. Great stuff from the youngster.
Third set: Kyrgios 2-2 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Very comfortable ace from Nick. He races through his serves as usual. Closing with another ace, and cleans up another linesjudge for good measure.
Third set: *Kyrgios 1-2 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Zeballos strings together two comfortable points, and Kyrgios allows his racquet to fall to the ground. First game to love for some time from the Argentine. Can he translate this into pressure on Kyrgios’ serve?
Third set: Kyrgios 1-1 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Great return from Zeballos, he’s chasing a half-chance here, but an inch perfect deep forehand and then a powerful few serves sees Kyrgios home. He’s still complaining about a phantom let call from last service game. Needs to focus, the Australian.
Third set: *Kyrgios 0-1 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Lovely backhand winner down the line from Zeballos, and he comfortably starts his service game. A few wobbly second serves later and it’s 30-30 though. Kyrgios questions a let call, and appears to allow the diversion to distract him. The Argentine holds.
Devo’s ‘Whip it’ comes on inside the stadium and is strangely apt – he’s not taking a flogging here Zeballos, but it’s definitely Kyrgios who’s driving this chariot. The Argentine really needs to find something special in this third set if he’s to keep his tournament hopes alive.
Kyrgios wins second set 6-4
Second set: Kyrgios 6-4 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
A disappointing sliced backhand from Zeballos drifts long, he’s conceding far too many easy points to his opponent throughout the match. A less fluid service game from Kyrgios though, as Zeballos then hits a steaming backhand winner to take it to 30-30. Kyrgios is good enough on serve it out, and he takes a two set lead.
Second set: *Kyrgios 5-4 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
The now red-shirted Zeballos serves to stay in this match. A super return from Kyrgios as he charges to attack the Argentine’s serve. How’d he pick that up? Magical stuff. Misses a key cross court volley though and Zeballos scrambles to hold serve.
Second set: Kyrgios 5-3 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Comfortable from Kyrgios again, he shows no ill affect from any physical attention he’s received.
At the change of ends Kyrgios calls a trainer, and heads into the sheds to receive a little bit of physio. Resistance is apparently not an issue, but lateral movement seems to be troubling the Australian. It’s the same injury he had during his opening game, which will concern his camp.
Zeballos takes the opportunity to get in some grub, and chance a shirt. Hello, ladies. A nice eastern-themed tattoo above the left pectoral. Spiritual stuff.
Take this moment for a toilet break, put the kettle on, work on your down dog, people.
Second set: *Kyrgios 4-3 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
In contrast, Zeballos appears to be missing slightly more first serves. He had Kyrgios foxed early on with several sliding serves, but now a double fault and Kyrgios has two break points.
The Argentine comes to the net and saves one. A great serve and volley, and we’re back at deuce. Kyrgios shakes his head, starts muttering, and shoots a few sharp glances towards his entourage. Not happy.
Zeballos loses a challenge on a return that hits the line. Kyrgios with a third chance to break, but the Argentine produces a great serve, and Kyrgios in turn serves up a great string of curses. No lip readers required there.
A horror miss on a volley from Zeballos, and at the fourth time of asking the Australian breaks serve.
Updated
Second set: Kyrgios 3-3 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Great first serve, he’s looked very solid so far, Kyrgios. Haven’t seen any percentages yet, but I’d hazard reasonably high for the Australian. No difficulty with that game, Zeballos needs to strike.
Second set: *Kyrgios 2-3 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
He’s clearly uncomfortable in his body at the moment, Kyrgios, which means this is a really key 10-15 minutes in the match. Zeballos sensed that last service game, but he needs to do better on his own serve to build some composite pressure.
Good angled play by Kyrgios opens up 15-30 but he forces a backhand winner. Strong serving and Zeballos holds again.
Second set: Kyrgios 2-2 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Nice backhand from Zeballos followed by a powerful forehand winner, and suddenly it’s 0-30. The Argentine misses the next point and is frustrated with himself. First time he’s threatened Kyrgios’ serve in the game, but Australian is able to ease his way out. Four unanswered points and we’re 2-2.
Second set: *Kyrgios 1-2 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios looks to slowly ratchet the pressure but the big left-hander is good enough to respond. Some strong first serves and then a powerful forehand cross court winner to close the game.
Second set: Kyrgios 1-1 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Another comfortable service game. The Argentine needs to get closer to some of these serves if he’s to find a way back into the match. Kyrgios clocks another linesman – a small wry smile. Seems they’re reading these as poorly as Zeballos at the moment.
Second set: *Kyrgios 0-1 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios charges the net but misses the volley, too cute perhaps? A strong response from Zeballos who thunders down an ace. Kyrgios with a loose/lazy shot to concede the game. Let’s hope too much of this doesn’t start to creep in.
Updated
Kyrgios wins first set 7-5
First set: Kyrgios 7-5 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Zeballos challenges to try and force a second serve from Kyrgios; no dice. Next play the Australian then punches a huge second serve for an ace. Gutsy or cocky, it’s the same coin, really. He repeats the treatment, a second second serve ace and clinches the set. First blood, Kyrgios. He’s not been overly tested, but a minor injury niggle appears to be troubling the Australian.
First set: *Kyrgios 6-5 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios takes the first point, but then a weak mid-net shot sees the Australian cursing himself emphatically. Zeballos comes to the net but badly misses the forehand winner. 15-30 and Kyrgios looks to pounce. A disappointing shot, and we’re back at 30-30. Again Zeballos forces the issue chasing a forehand winner, we get to deuce and Kyrgios rips a great forehand winner, drawing appreciative whoos from the crowd. Another bad miss from Zeballos who punches long, and we have the first break.
First set: Kyrgios 5-5 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Another quick game – he appears intent on moving sharply through his serves, does Kyrgios; a powerful ace down the T to close it out.
Key game for Zeballos now.
First set: *Kyrgios 4-5 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
A framed miss-hit from Kyrgios and an apology to his opponent, but Zeballos crafts a lovely dropped slice to counter. The Australian stretches out his hip flexors between points, some tightness there perhaps, or just an opportunity to focus on those lairy fluoro yellow shirt and shorts combo. He had some difficulties with that during his opening round match, so one to watch.
Zeballos with a powerful one-handed backhander to close the game though. We stay on serve.
First set: Kyrgios 4-4 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios with his first challenge after a chair umpire overrule – right decision from the man paid to sit in a high chair and make the right decisions though.
A strong cross court forehand sees Kyrgios out of slight trouble at 15-30, before an emphatic overhead slam and then an ace finishes the game.
Powerful, confident and irritable – a small microcosm of NK all in one game.
First set: *Kyrgios 3-4 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Zeballos with a strong first two serves. He chases a winner down the line though and offers Kyrgios another small look at 40-30, Kyrgios frames the return though and holds more comfortably that time.
First set: Kyrgios 3-3 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Another game to love – Kyrgios almost failing to break stride as he hastens through that service game. Zeballos will need to improve here if he wants to avoid pressure at the other end.
First set: *Kyrgios 2-3 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Better from Zeballos to start, he’s got Kyrgios scrambling with some of his slicing serves, but again forces a forehand harmlessly wide. The radar is just off with those, and Kyrgios then sends a scorching forehand winner down the line to reach deuce. A lovely return and cross-court passes sees another break point for the 21-year-old.
Zeballos serves well to save, before lofting a delicate drop shot. Another game held, but in some contrast to the comfort with which Kyrgios is serving.
Updated
First set: Kyrgios 2-2 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Three aces to open. Before a bullet down the T closes the game. Looked pretty comfortable but it looks like a heated exchange with someone in the crowd. Not too sure what’s raised the ire, but that’s our NK.
Updated
First set: *Kyrgios 1-2 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
Zeballos chases a big winner but just misses the line. Another unforced forehand just drifts long and Kyrgios moves to 15-30. A tame return into the net and the Australian has two break points. Zeballos serves well to save the first, and Kyrgios acknowledges the effort. A loose return sees the Australian squander the second, before Zeballos’ serve gets him out of trouble.
Updated
First set: Kyrgios 1-1 Zeballos* (*denotes next server)
Two aces to open his first service game, the second of which collects one of the line attendants; no code violations or insinuations of fault just yet, an entirely innocuous occurance – although watch for chair umpire Jake Garner to watch the youngster like a hawk.
Kyrgios with a cheeky overhead finish to win the game, not slammed into the backcourt but just caressed home. Nice.
Updated
And we're away!
First set: *Kyrgios 0-1 Zeballos (*denotes next server)
And the Argentine starts reasonably comfortably. Kyrgios takes a while to negotiate the left-hander’s serve, but at 40-15 Kyrgios comes to the net for the first time and sends a powerful cross-court forehand. A strong ace though closes out the game.
Updated
The players are warming up, and Kyrgios looks both focused and calm as he opens the shoulders.
It’s Zeballos to serve first, having won the coin toss and elected to serve.
If you’re wondering why Kyrgios is on court so early, alas compatriot Sam Stosur has come unstuck against China’s Zhang Shaui, 6-3, 6-3. Another disappointment for the veteran Australian and former champion.
Hi all – Richard Parkin in the chair. Just scrambling from football to tennis, if you missed it the first games of the final round of World Cup qualifying for Russia 2018 got underway last night with the Socceroos beating Iraq 2-0 in Perth. Some intriguing results elsewhere (Japan losing at home to UAE) make Australia’s next game an interesting one – UAE in UAE on Tuesday night (Wednesday 1.30am AEST). Look out for that.
But! Today is all about tennis, and Australia’s favourite enfant terrible - Nick Kyrgios has just taken to grandstand centre court at the US Open; he’s facing a man, you’d diplomatically describe perhaps as a ‘journeyman’, Argentine Horacio Zeballos. But stranger things have happened in Tennis, and it’s never not lively with our Nick about.
Richard will be with us shortly but in the meantime, catch up on the strange story of CiCi Bellis having to forfeit her $140,000 US Open prize money despite her winning ways.
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