Britain’s Jacob Fearnley produced an Australian Open shock on Monday by knocking out Nick Kyrgios on his much-anticipated return at his home Grand Slam.

Fearnley, ranked No. 92 in the world, dispatched Kyrgios in straight sets to advance to the second round — with the enigmatic 29-year-old Australian frequently displaying his anger and clutching at an apparent injury during the match.

Kyrgios came into the Australian Open having played only two singles matches since October 2022 due to a series of career-threatening injuries and looked short of form, fitness and serving power against the impressive Fearnley, who was broken only once on his way to a comprehensive 7-6 (3), 6-3, 7-6 (1) victory.

While Kyrgios teased a third-set fightback to get the home crowd roaring, the former world no.13 and Wimbledon finalist’s 2025 hopes will now turn elsewhere. Fearnley, meanwhile, will take on Arthur Cazaux in the next round after the Frenchman upset 28th seed Sebastian Baez in five sets.

“Obviously extremely nervous before the match, I didn’t get much sleep,” Fearnley said on court.

“Sorry for Nick, I could tell he was dealing with some stuff. But I thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed playing with you guys.

“All things considered, it’s probably the best match (I’ve played).”

Fearnley was rock-solid on serve and kept the crowd at bay until midway through the third set when he let a 3-1 lead slip.

Kyrgios broke Fearnley to put the game back on serve at 3-3 as the Briton tensed up and failed to convert a slew of break points.

The Kyrgios party tricks came out — the hopping, backhand winners and behind-the-back shots reigniting the crowd.

Kyrgios scrapped his way to the tiebreak then promptly crumbled, giving up five match points in a flash.

He saved one but bowed out with a backhand into the net and exited the arena quickly with a single kiss blown at the crowd.

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