Australia make strong start in Davis Cup World Group tie against Czech Republic
Monday 6 February 2017 08:14, UK
Nick Kyrgios and rookie Jordan Thompson both enjoyed straight-sets victories as Australia raced into a 2-0 lead on the opening day of their World Group Davis Cup match against the Czech Republic in Melbourne.
World No 15 Kyrgios conceded just seven games in his win over Jan Satral, while Thompson shocked Jiri Vesely in the opening contest of the day at Kooyong.
The 21-year-old Kyrgios beat world No 157 Satral 6-2 6-3 6-2 in 95 minutes, without dropping his serve once. He fired down 21 aces, to 13 from his opponent, before securing victory on his sixth match point.
Last month, Kyrgios suffered a shock second round exit at the Australian Open, beaten by Italian Andreas Seppi.
Kyrgios said: "My serve's my main weapon. I'm always trying to develop that part of my game. That's what I'm aiming to do every match.
"I had a week in Miami after the Australian Open and flew back so I didn't have that long to prepare - about five days.
"There were some pre-match nerves. I haven't played that many matches in 2017 and it's never easy playing a guy you don't know that well. He had nothing to lose."
Satral was making his Davis Cup debut alongside Thompson who eased past Vesely 6-3 6-3 6-4 in two hours and six minutes.
Thompson, who was playing in place of the unavailable world No 27 Bernard Tomic, said: "It's the biggest moment in my career, the summer has been pretty good, but playing for your country is amazing and getting us off to a 1-0 lead is even better.
"There were some nerves at the start, but I was just glad the balls were coming off the racquet nicely."
The 22-year-old from Sydney is ranked 65 in the world, 11 spots behind the man he beat - losing his serve just once.
Australia can wrap up the tie with victory in Saturday's doubles involving John Peers and Sam Groth who take on Zdenek Kolar and the experienced Radek Stepanek.
