Kyrgios Routs Rublev In Miami Stunner, Finalists Zverev, Sinner Win; Medvedev v Murray Sat.

Despite a knee issues, Nick Krygios continues to shine and today under the sun in Miami, the Australia destroyed an in-form Andrey Rublev 6-3, 6-0 in just 52 minutes.

Kyrgios shrugged off his ongoing knee issue and rode his booming serve to an stunningly easy win over Rublev who had won two titles just last month.

“He came out hot at the start and that’s tennis. A couple points could swing a momentum change like that and once I got that double break, I started seeing the return really well,” Kyrgios said. “I’ve been returning well the past four months and I guess when that’s happening, I’m serving the way I’m serving, I’m feeling the way I’m feeling, my shoulders open up and I just ran with it.

“I know that he’s a player who relies on a bit of rhythm, so I just tried to keep the points short and sharp, just play aggressive,” Kyrgios added. “I’m just happy with my performance, whether it’s 7-6 in the third or something like this, I’m just happy to get through.”

Kyrgios moves on to meet Fabio Fognini on Sunday in what should be a high-drama match.

2018 finalist Alexander Zverev opened play with a scratchy three set win over the returning Borna Coric 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Coric had been out for over a year due to shoulder surgery, but just returned earlier this month in Indian Wells.

“Borna, for me personally, is a very tough opponent. I’m happy with how things went and looking forward to the next match as well,” said Zverev who will now face Mackenzie McDonald, an upset winner over Grigor Dimitrov.

2021 finalist Jannik Sinner saved three match points in a thriller 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(8) over Emil Ruusuvuori. The Finn served for the match in the third and had three match points in the breaker.

“It gives [me] a lot of confidence for sure, but there are some things I have to work on,” Sinner said. “There are positive things, but also I have some things to improve. I think mentally I was strong today, but tennis-wise there are some things to improve.”

Gael Monfils, Pablo Carreno Busta, Cameron Norrie and Casper Ruud advanced while both American big men fell as John Isner lost to Hugo Gaston and Reilly Opelka retired with a shoulder injury to Francisco Cerundolo.

Tomorrow, the second round closes up with the debut of Daniil Medvedev who matches-up with 2-time Miami winner Andy Murray. Stefanos Tsitsipas also takes on JJ Wolf and Hubert Hurkacz opens his title defense.

Indian Wells champion Taylor Fritz is also featured along with his countrymen Sebastian Korda, Jenson Brooksby and Tommy Paul.