Nick Kyrgios: defending champion strikes back at Brisbane International

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios kicks off his 2019 ATP Tour as the defending champion at the Brisbane International. Here’s a look at his first match.

Defending Brisbane International men’s singles champion Nick Kyrgios battles American Ryan Harrison in his 2019 opener at the tournament. Last year, the two players met under different circumstances… in the finals.

This year, Kyrgios squares off against Harrison in the round of 32 at Brisbane. Their prior championship matchup went down in the Australian’s favor, but this time things were a bit more of a back and forth.

Kyrgios and Harrison go three sets, making the ultimate winner truly work hard for the win. It is the defending champion who emerges on top, winning 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 7-6 (7-5). HERE.Fans can take in the highlights of the championship rematch at the ATP Tour website.

While the young Australian kicks off his 2019 season in Brisbane, fans are also keeping an eye on former world number one Andy Murray. The British tennis veteran is also in action at Brisbane this week. His previous few years on tour have been littered with injuries and one must wonder if Murray has what it takes to bounce back to top form.

The former world number one, however, is cautiously optimistic about the year ahead. Murray wins his opener at the Brisbane International, defeating James Duckworth in straight sets. The British tennis star takes the match, going 6-3 6-4. Hats off to Murray who all are hoping will find consistency and remain healthy in the year ahead.

Kyrgios, who enters the 2019 ATP Tour as the world number 35 in men’s singles tennis, is someone to watch moving forward. His play at Brisbane could be indicative of things to come heading into action at the Australian Open. Kyrgios is always something of a question mark on the ATP Tour. He is one of the most talented rising stars today though. When Kyrgios wants to win, he is almost unstoppable on the courts.

Check back for more updates on action in men’s singles at the Brisbane International and stay tuned to updates from elsewhere on the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour. Nick Kyrgios advances in Brisbane and seeks to defend his title as he battles past Ryan Harrison.