Nick Kyrgios struggled to breathe during Japan Open win. Alex de Minaur & Thanasy Kukinakis lost.

Nick Kyrgios said that he had to overcome his breathing difficulties before he could enter the second round at the Japan Open.

The main points

• This was Kyrgios’ first match since losing in quarter-finals of the US Open.
• Oasis Alexde Minaur, Thanasy Kolkinakis and Thanasy Kokinakis lost the matches
• Kyrgios is currently trying drop the alleged attack charge on mental-health grounds

The Australian Wimbledon finalist returned to court in Tokyo in impressive fashion, while his Canberra-based lawyer was there demanding that the alleged assault charge against him be dismissed for mental reasons.

The tennis star, who is scheduled to appear in person during the hearing in February, saved break point in his first match before moving on with a confirmed 6-3-6-1 victory over Taiwan’s Chun Hsien Tseng, at the Ariak Colosseum. .

The Australian number one admitted that his struggles in the 66-minute loss were due to a bit of shortness and ring rust. This was his first tournament after his US Open quarter-final exit.

Kyrgios told reporters that he had difficulty breathing due to the humidity and the different weather conditions back home. He also pointed out how the courts are moving faster, something he believes will help him as he pursues his second title within a year.

Kyrgios needs to be careful as he struggled with asthma earlier in the season. He had to withdraw from a warmup match for the Australian Open.

After struggling in the first match, the Tour’s bestserver, this year, lost only four points in Tokyo. He won 25 out of 29 points on his first serve.

“I played really well,” stated the fifth seed.

“I came out a bit slow, but I don’t play many games so it’s hard to go right back into that competitive flow. However, once I started playing the first game, my level rose and I was able play very well.

“Obviously the court plays faster compared to normal hard court events. It’s not something I complain about. I think it suits our game style.

It’s great to see tennis, people are aggressive and get into the nets. They serve big. That’s what I think fans love to see. It might be faster than average, however I enjoy it.”

It was Kyrgios’ 36th victory in his amazing season. He is now set to face Kamil Majsherzak from Poland in the next round.

However, he was the only Australian survivor as Alex de Minaur lost 6-3 to 6-2 to Kwon Moonwoo and Thansi Kkinakis lost 6-4 to 7-6 (7/4) against Borna Coric.

AAP

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Originally published at Brisbane News Station