Bernard Tomic crushes Nick Kyrgios in first-ever clash

It was supposed to be a showdown between two of Australia’s biggest tennis stars, but fans were left less than impressed after Bernard Tomic and Nick Kyrgios took to the court in Melbourne on Wednesday.

Tomic sailed to victory over Kyrgios in the first-ever clash between the pair at the Kooyong Classic exhibition event. Tomic won 6-3 6-4 against his higher-ranked opponent, stealing the match with a sneaky serve that left commentators and onlookers amused.

After dominating the match, Tomic opted for a showman’s finish and served the ball between his legs catching Kyrgios off guard.

https://twitter.com/SBSSport/status/1082839146249388032

Fans watching on, however, weren’t thrilled with the dull performance early on and vented their disappointment online.

“Someone in the crowd at Tomic v Kyrgios literally yelled out ‘I paid money for this’ just before the match ended,” one commentator wrote.

Another added: “Thank Christ that’s over.”

Meanwhile, former Olympian Georgie Parker was equally frustrated, writing: “It’s an absolute joke. I’m paying money to be here and the two idiots aren’t giving two shits.”

https://twitter.com/georgieparker/status/1082830273115348992

Despite his loss, Kyrgios was upbeat about his chances at the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 14.

“I know Bernard is one of the most talented players out there, he took me under his wing when I was a kid,” Kyrgios said, The Herald Sun reported.

“I’m happy to be where am right now. I’m in a good space mentally. Form, ranking, that stuff is just temporary. I can beat the best players in the world if I’m playing right and have the chance to win.”

Read more: ‘I’m sick of it’: Nick Kyrgios says he’ll quit tour if he wins Aus Open

It comes after Kyrgios claimed in December he’ll hang up the racket for 2019 if he takes out the top spot in the upcoming tournament.

The 23-year-old, who is known for his ‘bad boy’ behaviour, told media ahead of the Brisbane International, that he is “sick of travelling” and needs some time to recuperate.

“If I was going to win the Aus Open or something I probably wouldn’t play for the rest of the year,” he admitted to a reporter when asked about his busy schedule for the year ahead.

“I play enough tennis during the year, I’m sick of it by the time I get home. The last thing I want to do is go out there and hit more balls.”

The tennis star, who is regarded as a ‘tantrum thrower’ due to his on-camera antics, is feeling better than ever after a busy year travelling the globe.

“I was away for five and half months, I don’t ever want to do that again,” he added. “I am going to play a very light schedule this year.”

What did you think of the match between Tomic and Kyrgios? Will you be watching the Australian Open?