Kyrgios ready to move to Open big stage

Despite chalking up a second-round victory Nick Kyrgios’ love affair with Hisense Arena is dimming with the Australian No.1 declaring he is ready to take centre stage.

Kyrgios swept into a third-round Australian Open meeting with Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after accounting for Serbian veteran Viktor Troicki 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7-2).

The match was plagued with disruptions including a heckler who was ejected, a hovering helicopter and problems with the PA system which saw the umpire’s microphone shut down as well as all audio on the court including music.

With Hisense lacking the usual upbeat vibe that Kyrgios thrives on, he said he felt like he was playing at a different tournament.

“I felt like the atmosphere completely changed,” Kyrgios said.

“When you’ve got the microphones working, the music and stuff kind of puts you in a rhythm every game and I kind of lost my rhythm a little bit.”

While Kyrgios loves the familiarity of the smaller venue he wants his match-up with Tsonga to be played on the ticketed Rod Laver Arena.

“I think I’m ready for it,” Kyrgios said.

“I played a lot of matches on Rod Laver, I’ve hit on it a lot of times.”

Kyrgios said his first memory of Rod Laver Arena was his victory in the 2013 Australian Open boys singles final over countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis.

“Rod Laver is one of the best stadiums in the world,” he said.

“I remember the first time I played a match there, it was my junior final and I played well so I think I’ll be fine on it.”

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