MELBOURNE, January 18, 2017

Nick Kyrgios was knocked out of his home Grand Slam, as he blew a two-set lead and a match point in losing to Andreas Seppi at the Australian Open. The 32-year-old Italian triumphed 1-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, 10-8 in round two against the typically unpredictable 14th seed. Kyrgios was given two warnings, for swearing and racquet abuse, before the world number 89 from South Tyrol clinched victory.

Two years ago the Italian lost in five sets to Kyrgios in Melbourne and turned the tables in 2017.

“I remember the match from two years ago. Was pretty much the same. So I knew what’s going to happen, what’s going to be in the court. So, of course, it’s always very, very tough to play in a crowd like this or stadium like this. But was great atmosphere. I always enjoy playing on these big courts,” Seppi was pleased with his performance.

“It’s obviously disappointing,” Kyrgios told. “But, you know, it was ultimately a pretty fun match. He’s a great guy and he deserved it, so… I’m not going to beat myself up about it. Obviously, yeah, I mean, could have gone either way really.”

Australian teenager Alex de Minaur lost to US-American Sam Querrey 6-7, 0-6, 1-6 but can be satisfied with his performance in Melbourne, earning his first Grand Slam match win in his opening encounter.

“I’m a little bit disappointed because I really felt like I was in the first set. Actually had a set point there. I just missed a sort of cheap second-serve return.

“But, you know, a lot of positive to take out from that match, this week, and how I’ve been playing tennis lately. I’m disappointed now, but I’m happy with the Australian summer I’ve had lately,” the 17-year-old told aftewards.

DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS:

• The Ashleigh Barty story continues – she advances to the third round at the Australian Open for the very first time after a superb win over Shelby Rogers.
• Nick Kyrgios bows out in the second round as Andreas Seppi gains revenge two years on, mounting a comeback from two sets down while saving a match point with a sensational forehand.
• Mischa Zverev joins the wins-from-match-point-down club, outlasting John Isner in the fifth set.
• Seventh seed Marin Cilic becomes the highest ranked man to fall, losing to Britain’s Dan Evans
• Defending champion Angelique Kerber pushed to three sets once more.

Day/Night Attendance: 77,465
This is a first Wednesday Day/Night session record – previous record AO2015 – 72,954.