Kyrgios Continues To Thrive In Miami

It’s safe to say that Nick Kyrgios has enjoyed playing in Miami. It’s where he advanced to his first two ATP World Tour Masters 1000 semi-finals the past two seasons — in his first two appearances at the tournament, no less.

And if the Australian’s start this year has been a sign of the future, Kyrgios could be in for another big run at Crandon Park. The 22-year-old cruised past recent Sao Paulo champion and the No. 15 seed, Fabio Fognini, 6-3, 6-3 on Monday in 66 minutes to move into the Round of 16 at the Miami Open presented by Itau.

After emerging from a battle between two semi-finalists from last year’s tournament in South Florida, Kyrgios is now 10-2 in Miami, as he continues pursuing a maiden Masters 1000 title. This is his third Top 20 win of the season, and he advances to play fourth seed Alexander Zverev or No. 28 David Ferrer, who are competing in the evening session.

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It is Kyrgios’ third tournament of the season, and his first since the Australian Open. The World No. 20 won his fourth ATP World Tour title to begin the campaign at the Brisbane International presented by Suncorp, his first trophy on home soil.

Monday’s first-time FedEx ATP Head2Head matchup between the two Top 20 players set up to be a blockbuster, but it was Kyrgios who controlled play and seized his opportunities. While the No. 17 seed did not allow the Italian a break point in the match, the right-hander broke at three of five opportunities, even though Fognini lost just three points on his first serve (18/21). Kyrgios has yet to face break point in the tournament.

Kyrgios Serving In Miami 2018