Tennis-Medvedev faces tricky Kyrgios challenge at Australian Open

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2022 Russia's Daniil Medvedev in action during his first round match against Switzerland's Henri Laaksonen REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev will face the mercurial Nick Kyrgios in a tricky second-round clash at the Australian Open on Thursday as the Russian looks to make the most of world number one Novak Djokovic's absence and collect a second major title.

Medvedev secured a routine win against Henri Laaksonen in his opener but would expect a tougher examination against Aussie Kyrgios, who dazzled the John Cain Arena with some outrageous shot-making in the straight-sets victory over Liam Broady.