Kyrgios eases past Fognini

Originally published on 26/03/18 00:00

The attack-minded Australian was rarely troubled as he brushed past Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-3 to reach the fourth round for a third consecutive year.

It may be Kyrgios' first tournament in over two months, but he has quickly hit his stride at a venue he tends to perform well at. He is yet to face a break-point this week and is still awaiting his first meaningful challenge.

Kyrgios will take on the winner of this evening’s contest between Alexander Zverev and David Ferrer.

Fognini looked disengaged from the outset and his demeanour did not indicate he was up for a battle. The 30-year-old, who made just 44% of first serves, was broken three times as he meekly surrendered.

Thanasi Kokkinakis had hoped to build on his impressive victory over Roger Federer, however he was bundled out the competition by Fernando Verdasco. The Spaniard outlasted the Australian in a fiery duel 3-6 6-4 7-6(4).

Verdasco’s reward is a meeting with his compatriot, Pablo Carreno Busta. The Spaniard was a comfortable victor over Steve Johnson 6-4 6-4.

Denis Shapovalov, Kevin Anderson, Borna Coric and Alexander Zverev are also through to the last sixteeen.

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