Nick Kyrgios complains of marijuana smell during US Open second round win over Denis Istomin
AUSCHWITZ, Germany — After a disappointing first-round loss to Marin Cilic in Rome, the top-ranked Australian Open men’s singles contender was looking to avenge his defeat by the German in a major with a victory at the US Open.
Unfortunately for Kyrgios, Istomin got to that win with a late-round 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 victory Tuesday in the second round.
Kyrgios admitted the victory was bittersweet, having just seen his friend and training partner retire due to illness in a major final at the Australian Open. Kyrgios took to his Twitter account afterward to share his thoughts on Istomin’s loss and to say a “huge thanks” to the Austrian.
Istomin was ranked No. 34 in the world before Kyrgios took the top spot earlier this year. Istomin, who is also from Austria, is a three-time major champion, having won a pair at the 2016 French Open and a Grand Slam title back in 2012 at the U.S. Open.
A big thanks to all my fans, especially those from Austria, for helping us in these final weeks & to Denis for his great tennis and support in our final weeks.
Denis Istomin’s amazing career with Roger Federer & Andy Murray has been unforgettable. He achieved great things with me but more than I ever could have hoped for & even more than I ever can now!
Kyrgios is the top ranked player from the world, having topped the ATP Player Poll for the second year in a row on Monday. Kyrgios has also become a fan favorite, especially among the tennis-crazed Australian Open fans.
I was the one fanning his post-match press conference and he let me smoke around him. I felt like I was a kid in a candy shop. In an otherwise awful day of tennis