The Truist Atlanta Open 2021 set up a blockbuster opening round match between Aussie maverick Nick Kyrgios and former Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson. Naturally, the pair produced some exquisite service games and rallies to move to the next round. However, the Australian stole the show with his underarm service fiestas.

Before coming to this match, the 26-year-old Kyrgios last played his singles bout against Felix Auger-Aliassime in Wimbledon R3. Unfortunately, he pulled up an ab and had to retire from the event in the third set.

On the other side, the 35-year-old Anderson, who lost to Novak Djokovic in the second round of the Championships, came to Atlanta after championing the Hall of Fame Open. Thus, he had the upper hand even before the start of this popcorn encounter.

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Nick Kyrgios hits an underarm tweener against Kevin Anderson at Atlanta Open

From the first swing itself, the intensity of the match strung. In fact, Anderson had to save two break points to secure his first hold.

Across the net, tensive as ever, Kyrgios looked to complete his service game quick. Although he was 40-15 up, he chose an underarm serve to bring the score to 1-1.

Following that, both the players put up their eloquent service game. In comparison, Anderson won 88% on first serve, whereas Nick made a 93% first serve conversion to reach 6-5 in favor of the South African. However, not to forget the tweener underarm from the Aussie maverick to make it 4-4.

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Interestingly, the underarm got Kyrgios a 100% record with first one going long from Kevin and other hugging the net.

To sum up, the first set stretched to the tiebreaker to decide the winner between the two. Eventually, the Aussie star pulled the strings as if in his control and took the first set 6-7(4).

Seemingly, the tweeners were not just for the opening set. At 1-1 in the second, Kyrgios yet again tried an underarm and maintained his 100% underarm service record.

Can the two-time Grand Slam finalist Kevin Anderson make a comeback from this?

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