Nick Kyrgios admits Fabio Fognini hype 'wasn't easy' as he sets sights on Miami Open title

Nick Kyrgios has opened up on dealing with the build-up to his third-round match against Fabio Fognini. The Aussie defeated the 31st seed 6-2 6-4 in an hour on Sunday in what was a calm and composed victory for him this week in Miami. He is now eager to see what he can do while "keeping his head down" and hasn't ruled out making a run for the title.

Kyrgios took on Fognini in what was touted as a blockbuster third-round match thanks to both players' fiery personalities. The current world No 102 had dispatched world No 7 Andrey Rublev in just 51 minutes in his prior match and won his only previous meeting with the Italian, which also came in Miami, so had something of an edge going in despite Fognini being the 31st seed.

He got off to a strong start, breaking the 34-year-old early in the opener and quickly took the first set 6-2. The 26-year-old threw in one of his trademark underarm serves in the second set and appeared slightly frustrated during some rallies won by the world No 34 but overall was laser-focused as he booked a place in the round-of-16.

Speaking after the match, the former world No 13 admitted it had been tough to come into the match after all the hype it received in the previous two days but was given a boost when America's Tennis Channel pundits picked him to win. "Yeah I was in the players cafe getting my oat latte and turned the TV on, Tennis Channel, and the pro team picked Kyrgios over Fognini. Not going to lie, it gave me a bit of confidence. Tried to turn it up. Loved it," he laughed.

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Opening up on his preparations before the match, the Aussie said: "Well you know it's not easy. Tennis TV and all these kind of platforms are