AUSTRALIAN sensation Nick Kyrgios and Russian legend Marat Safin stole the limelight as the Manila leg of the International Premier Tennis League unfurled before a sizeable gallery last night at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 20-year-old Kyrgios won his two matches, including the mixed doubles 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 as he downed German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber, 6-5 (7-5) by shootout—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 Tennis Center.
The stylish Kyrgios has since zoomed in popularity and world ranking. He is now at 30th in the world and boasts a win over Rafael Nadal in last year’s Wimbledon.
He later teamed up with 18-year-old Bencic in demolishing Leander Paes and Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, 6-3, to power the Slammers.
Safin, a two-time Grand Slam champion, 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 the ball boys in losing to a much-composed Carlos Moya, 6-4.