Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios shafted as organisers snub Canberra-born tennis star | Tennis | Sport
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios, 26, will hope to make the most of home advantage when he steps out onto the court in Melbourne at 8.00am (GMT) later today. However, the world number 115 was shafted by Australian Open organisers after they decided to make him face world number 2 Daniil Medvedev, 25, at the Rod Laver Arena.
The decision means Mr Kyrgios will not be able to play his crucial second round fixture at his favourite court in the world.
Mr Kyrgios, who lost to 34-year-old Brit Andy Murray in the quarter final of the 2015 Australian Open, prefers to play at the John Cain Arena, which is nicknamed the “People’s Court”.
Despite having a capped capacity due to COVID-19 regulations and holding fewer spectators than the Rod Laver Arena, the John Cain Arena is renowned for having a rowdy atmosphere.
After Kyrgios defeated Brit Liam Broady, 28, in the first round much was made of the impact of the fans inside the ground.
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“A lot more corporates in there.
“Might not be as rowdy but I’m predicting absolutely anything.”
