It lacked the usual fireworks associated with a Nick Kyrgios match, but the local favourite's first Australian Open experience without fans was a successful one as he and Thanasi Kokkinakis advanced to the second round of the men's doubles.
Kyrgios brought a largely sterile Melbourne Park to life on Friday night in an electric clash with Dominic Thiem, which he lost in five sets, just before Victoria's lockdown kicked in.
The crowd heaved as the pair traded blows in the most entertaining clash of this year's Open to date.
But Saturday's doubles encounter with South Africa's Lloyd Harris and 46-year-old Austrian Julian Knowle could scarcely have played out in a much different setting.
In front of just a handful of officials and staff, it resembled more of a schoolyard hit-around than a grand slam battle.
But Kyrgios and Kokkinakis enjoyed the low-pressure experience, sharing jokes and laughing between points.
The only minor hitch was when they were handed a code violation warning for being late to the court.
Not even a few disagreements with the chair umpire could dampen their spirits as they cruised to a 6-2 6-4 win in just over an hour.
Kyrgios celebrated by appearing to mock rival Novak Djokovic with a sarcastic double fist-pump on his knees in front of the empty stands.
The Australian pair will take on fourth-seeded Wesley Koolhof and Lukasz Kubot in the second round.
