Tennis-Kyrgios exits in first round as Briton silences 'People's Court'

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 13, 2025 Australia's Nick Kyrgios in action during his first round match against Britain's Jacob Fearnley REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Nick Kyrgios's long-awaited return to the Grand Slam stage proved something of a let-down as Briton Jacob Fearnley sent the ailing home hero out of the Australian Open first round in straight sets on Monday.

A capacity crowd packed out Kyrgios's favourite John Cain Arena for his first match at Melbourne Park in three years, hoping the tennis showman could shrug off an abdominal strain to battle through.