The genteel, tradition-steeped atmosphere of Melbourne's Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club received a vibrant jolt on Tuesday as Australia's Nick Kyrgios brought his inimitable brand of tennis and showmanship to the Kooyong Classic. In a rare competitive appearance, the injury-prone star defeated China's Zhang Zhizhen in a tightly contested match, delighting a boisterous, youthful crowd that transformed the club's usual decorum.
A Clash of Cultures on the Historic Grass
Kooyong, the former home of the Australian Open from 1972 to 1988, stands as one of the sport's great bastions of grasscourt tradition and etiquette. However, the rules were relaxed as thousands flocked to the leafy grounds to witness Kyrgios in action. The 30-year-old, who has withdrawn from singles at the upcoming Australian Open, is using the event to regain match fitness.
Facing Zhang Zhizhen, the Chinese former world number 31 now ranked 362nd, Kyrgios played under cloudy Melbourne skies. Stripped of the strapping seen in Brisbane the previous week, he moved freely and opened with a smile, securing the first set 6-3 by winning 90% of points on his first serve. His playful tweener shot sent the younger fans into raptures, blending his modern flair with the club's historic setting.
Stagecraft and a Grandstand Finish
The theatre continued in the second set. After breaking back when 3-5 down, Kyrgios celebrated with a mock-easy lean and crossed legs at his chair, soaking in the crowd's reaction. Though he lost the set 4-6, it set up a dramatic deciding match tiebreak. The tension peaked at 6-7 before Kyrgios ultimately prevailed 11-9, dropping to the ground in triumphant, theatrical fashion.
The victory was about more than just the scoreline. In a symbolic moment underscoring the event's blend of old and new, 98-year-old Frank Sedgman, a five-time Grand Slam champion, conducted the coin toss. Later, a basketball hoop was wheeled onto the court for a staged game of 'HORSE' between Kyrgios, Zhang, and a lucky fan, highlighting the event's focus on entertainment and engagement.
Looking Ahead: Wimbledon a Key Target
Speaking afterwards, Kyrgios expressed mixed emotions about his promising performance. "In one sense it's amazing, in the other sense it is a bit heartbreaking, because you know that I'm not really able to go out there and do what I used to do," he admitted. His immediate schedule includes Wednesday's One Point Slam at Melbourne Park and doubles at the Australian Open.
Looking further ahead, Kyrgios confirmed he plans to skip Roland Garros but is targeting a return to Wimbledon, where he was a finalist in 2022. "Wimbledon is a bit easier physically," he noted, stating it would be a focus for his coming training. He emphasised his love for the sport and connection with fans, saying, "I'm just trying to be a good role model and show that someone like me is able to still have fun, no matter what you look like or where you come from."
The day proved that while Kooyong remains a temple to tennis tradition, there is ample room for the charismatic, crowd-pleasing style that Nick Kyrgios embodies, creating a unique and memorable spectacle in Melbourne's inner east.
