Fan favourite Nick Kyrgios returned to his old ways by celebrating his first round win at the Australian Open by swigging beer from a fan’s cup - and imitating Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
On Tuesday, Kyrgios defeated Britain’s Liam Broady in straight sets, sealing a 6-4 6-4 6-3 win. After claiming victory, the Australian copied Ronaldo’s ‘Siu’ celebration and drank beer.
After testing positive for Covid over a week ago, the 26-year-old was forced to isolated and only flew down to Melbourne with his girlfriend Costeen Hatzi on Sunday.
He walked out to a big ovation from his home fans, Kyrgios got off to a flying start and shouted 'I'm back' following his first winning game.
Despite his disrupted preparation ahead of the first grand slam of the season, Kyrgios starred with trick shots as he thrived off the home crowd.
“I served f***ing well today,” Kyrgios said in his on-court interview after the match. “I don't know what I've done to this crowd because you guys are a zoo now.
“I’m just happy to be here again. Obviously we've all had a tough couple of years so just to be back at the Australian Open again — I'm just happy to be back here in front of you guys. Honestly, it's so much fun.”
Kyrgios was showboating as he unleashed a 220km/h serve and looked like he was about to unleash another to seal the second game of the first set - but he pulled off an audacious underarm serve between his legs which caught his British opponent off guard.
Broady was forced to improvise a one-handed backhand in response, but it flew out of play to tie up the second game. Following the play, Kyrgios held his arms out and shrugged as he lapped up the applause.
Barry Cowan on commentary for Eurosport reacted: “It's a circus already. He is owning this court, and he has only been on the court for five minutes, through the legs.”
After securing match point, Kyrgios copied Ronaldo's celebration and took a sip of beer from the jubilant fans.
The Australian’s defiant rally cry signalling his return is a dramatic change after he dropped a hint about potentially retiring from tennis.
“I need to go back home. I've been travelling for four and a half months now,” Kyrgios said. “My mum is not doing too well with her health. I'd like to go back and see her.
“I’m not one of those players that's going to go hunting for points or hunting for accolades. I feel like I've got nothing left to prove to myself. I'm incredibly proud of what I've achieved.
“Obviously, I'll get my body right and I'll start my pre-season, spend time with my family for the Australian Open, and then go from there.”
