Kyrgios Sets Blockbuster Medvedev Clash In Montreal

Nick Kyrgios set a popcorn second-round meeting with World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, downing Sebastian Baez 6-4, 6-4 to earn his seventh consecutive win.

The Australian captured his seventh ATP Tour title in Washington last week and immediately found his rhythm in Montreal, outmanoeuvring the Argentine as he combined heavy-hitting with deft touch to advance after one hour and 25 minutes.

“Physically I feel fine. Mentally just so tired. I haven’t had much sleep the past couple of days, but I am trying to put that behind me already,” Kyrgios said in his on-court interview. “I am in Montreal and I haven’t played great tennis in Montreal in the past, so I wanted to come out here today and get that match up against Medvedev next. It will be a lot of fun. I just want to create some good memories in Montreal.”

The 27-year-old, who is up to No. 33 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, has now won 12 of his past 13 matches, having advanced to his maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon last month.

Kyrgios will look to continue that run when he faces reigning champion Medvedev in the second round. The 27-year-old leads the top seed 2-1 in their ATP Head2Head series, however, Medvedev won their most recent meeting at the Australian Open in January.

“Medvedev is a hell of a player. His style is so unorthodox, he is a great competitor and he is just an animal,” Kyrgios added. “I am looking forward to seeing where I am at.”

Kyrgios is making his eighth appearance at the Canadian ATP Masters 1000 event this week, with his best result a run to the third round in 2015 and 2017.

The Australian was the more aggressive player throughout his match against Baez. He consistently hit through the Argentine when he stepped inside the baseline during their first-round clash. INSIGHTS In Attack show that Kyrgios spent double the time in an attacking position than did Baez.

INSIGHTS: IN ATTACK

Figure 1: In Attack score from 2022 Montreal first-round clash between Nick Kyrgios and Sebastian Baez.

The 21-year-old Baez has enjoyed a breakthrough season on the Tour, highlighted by his first title in Estoril in April. However, the World No. 32 was unable to cope with Kyrgios’ powerful hitting on debut in Montreal.