Google News Nick Kyrgios makes honest admission after beating close friend Thanasi Kokkinakis
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 5349
Nick Kyrgios admitted that playing good friend Thanasi Kokkinakis was probably one of the most uncomfortable matches he has ever had to play. In the US Open first round, Kyrgios ousted Kokkinakis 6-3 6-4 7-6 (4) in front of a sold out Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Kyrgios and Kokkinakis have been close since childhood and Kyrgios revealed he tried not to look at Kokkinakis during the match. "Probably one of the most uncomfortable matches I've played in my career. I feel like we both had a game plan.
We know our games so well. From the get-go, I was trying to block out his body and just play the tennis ball," Kyrgios said, via the ATP website. "I was really trying not to look at him at all. I felt like that kind of helped me."
Kyrgios was able to execute his game plan and beat Kokkinakis
Just before Kyrgios and Kokkinakis took out on Arthur Ashe, Serena Williams kicked off her final US Open campaign.
The match featured a record-breaking attendance and the whole attention was on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Monday evening. Kyrgios knew what to expect and he was glad that he was able to play his game. By beating Kokkinakis, Kyrgios achieved a milestone as he now has 200 wins on the main level.
"To play one of probably my best friends after Serena's possible last match, with a record-breaking attendance, it's insane," Kyrgios said. "A night I'm never going to forget. My 200th win as well. A couple accolades today. It was good." In the US Open second round, Kyrgios plays Benjamin Bonzi.
Going into the match, Kyrgios is the absolute favorite against Bonzi. Kyrgios and Bonzi will be clashing for the first time in their careers when they meet at Flushing Meadows. Kyrgios has made a good start to his Us Open campaign and it would be a major shock if he somehow lost to Bonzi.