By Brendan Bradford at Melbourne Arena -
Tennis legend John McEnroe has joined in the bushfire relief fundraising effort, pledging $1000 for every set Nick Kyrgios wins during the rest of the Australian Open.
McEnroe told Kyrgios on court during their post-match interview following the Aussie's 6-2 7-6(3) 7-6(1) win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego at Melbourne Arena.
In one of the best post-match interviews you'll ever see, Kyrgios said McEnroe's generous donation almost made him well up.
"I just want to say, from this point forward, I want to donate $1000 to the bushfire relief fund for every set you win the rest of this tournament," the seven-time Grand Slam champion said to rapturous applause.
MORE: Kyrgios outclasses Sonego
The moment left Kyrgios speechless.
Watch it below.
John McEnroe says he'll donate $1,000 towards Bushfire Relief for every set @NickKyrgios wins during the rest of #AO2020
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020
🙏❤️🇦🇺#AusOpen | #Aces4BushfireRelief pic.twitter.com/vtS73FGD5j
Earlier in the interview, McEnroe told Kyrgios how proud he was of the world number 26's inititive in leading the fundraising cause over the course of the summer.
"Can I tell you, from afar, watching from the States, that the way you led the way for the bushfire relief and everything you've done - well done. Well done, man," McEnroe said.
"Absolutely outstanding effort and I know a lot of people share the same view, but I just want to tell you personally that I'm proud of you."
Kyrgios was left visibly moved by the sentiments.
"I appreciate that - you're gonna make me tear up again," he said.
Kyrgios choked back tears earlier in the summer at the ATP Cup when speaking about the devastating bushfires that had swept across Australia.
Kyrgios' home town of Canberra was severely impacted, with the capital experiencing some of the worst air conditions in the world over a period of days.
The Australian Open is the first individual event Kyrgios has played since September after representing Australia at the ATP Cup and Davis Cup Finals.
In Sydney for the ATP Cup knockout stages, Kyrgios said he feels more motivated for team events, but credited the Melbourne Arena crowd for seeing him home against Sonego.
"It's definitely tough, but I've got a great team behind me and I definitely didn't feel alone tonight with you guys out here," he told the crowd.
"I feel strong and I just feel ready to go again.
"This is my favourite court in the world. I always request to play here early on. You guys are the best. I feel the support."
Kyrgios will play either Pablo Cuevas or Gilles Simon in the second round and dedicated the win over Sonego to Alex de Minaur, who was forced out of the tournament with an abdominal injury.
"I'm still heart-broken about Demon and if he's watching this, that was for you, little fella," he said.
"Hope you're resting up."