'He's a hell of a player' - Nick Kyrgios wins 'ridiculously tricky' ATP Miami opener against Adrian Mannarino

Nick Kyrgios came through his «ridiculously tricky» ATP Miami opener against Adrian Mannarino, who he described as «a hell of a player». The Australian overcame Mannarino in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-3, in one hour and 32 minutes to set up a second-round clash with Andrey Rublev. Ad/> But it was a far from simple progression for Kyrgios, who found the Frenchman tough to play against.

Thankfully for him, 12 aces ensured that he found a way through. ATP Indian WellsIndian Wells takeaways: Nadal concerns, Swiatek class, Alcaraz shines21/03/2022 AT 11:13 Kyrgios did not drop a set on the West Coast until a tightly contested three-set loss to Rafael Nadal. The 26-year-old, who did not drop a set in his previous tournament at Indian Wells his three-set defeat to eventual runner-up Rafael Nadal, spoke very highly of his opponent after the match in Miami.

«That first-serve percentage was key tonight,» Kyrgios said post-match. «If I miss my first serve, he's going to be on the front foot from the early jump, and I couldn't afford to do that tonight against such a tricky opponent. »The conditions tonight just did not help me at all.

I felt like I wasn't able to get him out of his comfort zone from the ground… I thought I returned extremely well. «I grew up with him, I've seen him play. He's a hell of a player.

Obviously, we all know what he's capable of, and I'm going into that match as a complete underdog. »But I feel confident. If I'm serving well and playing well form the back I can beat anyone, and everyone knows that.