Tomic serves between his legs to finish off Kyrgios in Kooyong Classic win
Bernard Tomic stunned the Kooyong Classic crowd when he used a sneaky trick serve between his legs on match point to seal a win over Nick Kyrgios in the maiden encounter between the two Australians.
Key points:
- Bernard Tomic defeated Nick Kyrgios in their maiden encounter
- Tomic is looking to redeem himself after failing to qualify for last year's Australian Open
- He finished 2018 inside the top 100 on the ATP Tour rankings
Squaring off for the first time in their careers as they prepare for next week's Australian Open, Tomic dominated his higher-ranked opponent to win 6-3 6-4, as he finished off the match in bizarre circumstances.
While bouncing a ball in preparation for a regular serve, Tomic flicked another ball between his legs that landed over the net and won the match, leaving Kyrgios laughing and shaking his head.
After composing himself, Kyrgios said he was happy to see the 85th-ranked Tomic back in form after missing the Australian Open last year when his ranking plummeted.
"I don't think there has ever been a player like BT," Kyrgios told SBS after the match.
"It is great to see him back out here as I know he was going through some rough times.
"He won a title last year and it looks like he is carrying a bit of momentum, which is good to see."
Tomic failed to qualify for last year's Australian Open, before copping a barrage of criticism when he said he was only concerned with making money.
"I just count money, that's all I do. I count my millions," Tomic told the media last January.
His career, not for the first time, seemed to be on the ropes but he rebounded admirably last year to climb his way back inside the top 100, largely thanks to winning the Chengdu ATP Tour event.
The maiden clash between Tomic and Kyrgios was much anticipated, although Australian Olympian Georgie Parker was among those less than impressed with the exhibition put on at Kooyong.
External Link: Georgie Parker tweets
Tomic's first set was almost flawless, while Kyrgios, who has slipped to number 51 in the world, looked a little underdone and struggled to find some rhythm early on.
With his silky hands in superb touch, Tomic broke for a 3-1 lead and then steamed through the first set.
Kyrgios, who lost in the second round at the Brisbane International last week, had a break-point early in the second but was unable to consolidate with Tomic then breaking at 3-3.
AAP/ABC
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