Most Popular Sports
All Sports
Show All

In-form Nick Kyrgios blows away Fabio Fognini to reach last-16 of Miami Open in straight sets

James Kilpatrick

Updated 28/03/2022 at 07:12 GMT

With Nick Kyrgios opting not to playing the clay court season, the world No. 102 needed to progress to the last-16 to ensure his ATP ranking would be sufficient to play at Wimbledon in July without requiring a wildcard. He easily saw off a subdued Fabio Fognini in straight sets to extend his head-to-head record against the 2019 Monte-Carlo Masters champion to 2-0.

Highlights: Kyrgios sees off Fognini to reach the last 16 at the Miami Open

Nick Kyrgios marches into the last-16 of the Miami Open with an emphatic 6-2 6-4 win in just over an hour.
The Australian hit 24 winners compared to Fognini's 12 and made far fewer unforced errors than his Italian opponent who appeared unwell.
Kyrgios, who is yet to drop a set in Miami this year after wins over Adrian Mannarino and world No. 6 Andrey Rublev, will play Jannik Sinner in the next round.
"We all know we have a bit of a dual personality problem out there me and Fabio," Kyrgios, who has won six of his last seven matches, told Tennis Channel afterwards.
"I knew today I had to lock in and let him do the double act. I knew if I came out with some energy and jumped on him early I was going to run with it.
"The way I've been playing with it the last couple of matches I can't ask for much more. I feel like I'm not taking anything for granted. Miami Open, playing well, healthy. I'm going to take advantage of that."
Fognini got off to an error-strewn start and a double fault handed Kyrgios a break in the opening game of the match.
Kyrgios continued to impress on his first serve and he had little trouble against the world No. 34 in the opening set with Fognini producing a lacklustre performance.
The Australian, a two-time Miami Open semi-finalist, went a double break up to move into a 5-2 lead as Fognini fired a forehand into the net before securing a love hold to take the opening set in 28 minutes.
Fognini called on the trainer before the beginning of the second set. Although he appeared to be slightly ill out on court, his game improved as the second set progressed.
After winning three points at 4-4, Kyrgios' first break points in the second set arrived and he converted the first one as Fognini fired a loose forehand into the tramlines.
Kyrgios had little trouble seeing the match out, sealing the victory with an ace.
Join 3M+ users on app
Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports
Download
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement