Nick Kyrgios looking forward to taking on friend Sock

NICK Kyrgios broke Adam Pavlasek’s serve late in each set to secure Australia’s first singles match against the Czech Republic 7-5 6-4 last night.

Each set was on serve until the 2016 Hopman Cup champion broke Pavlasek’s serve in the eleventh game of the first set and ninth game of the second.

Australia lost the tie after Daria Gavrilova went down 6-4 4-6 4-6 to Lucie Hradecka who then teamed up with Pavlasek to beat the Australians 3-4(1) 4-3(1) 4-2 in the mixed doubles.

Kyrgios had some spectacular service games hitting several second serve aces but there were also double faults, including two in a row at one point.

After the game, the 21-year-old said most of the match was on his racquet because he played an aggressive game but admitted to being surprised at his opponent’s strong serving games.

“I was really surprised the way he serves, he has a very tricky ball toss,” Kyrgios said.

Australia plays the US on Thursday night at Perth Arena.

Kyrgios, who is friends with Jack Sock from the US, said he was looking forward to a fun match.

“Jack and I will have some fun out there,” he said.

“It’s tough (playing a friend) but it’s easier for me to play them than other people who are unknown.”