Singapore Slammers Nick Kyrgios in the first day of the 2015 IPTL Manila leg Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Australian tennis sensation Nick Kyrgios and Russian legend Marat Safin got the crowd going as the Manila leg of the International Premier Tennis League unfurled Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 20-year-old Kyrgios won both his matches, including the mixed doubles set with partner Belinda Bencic of Switzerland, to steer the Singapore Slammers to a 29-20 victory over the Japan Warriors.
The flashy, 6-foot-2 Kyrgios wowed the gallery with his crackling forehands, released in midair with zing and flair to frustrate German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-5 (7-5) via shoot-out — one of the fun features of the unique tournament.
“I got a lot fun here. You guys are incredible. I played here a few times as a junior player,” said Kyrgios who once lost an ITF title to Filipino Jeson Patrombon at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
But the stylish Kyrgios, one of the rising stars of the sport, has since zoomed in popularity and world rankings. He is now at 30th in the world and famously defeated Rafael Nadal in last year’s Wimbledon.
Later he used his palpable rapport with 18-year-old Bencic to demolish Leander Paes and Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, 6-3, to consolidate the Slammers’ victory.
Two-time grand slam champion Safin shared the spotlight with Kyrgios with the fiery brand of tennis he is known for.
Appearing ruffled and crestfallen, Safin threw down his racket, tossed his water bottle and threw tantrums at ball boys in losing to a much cooler Carlos Moya, 6-4.