Nick Kyrgios has defeated Italian veteran Andreas Seppi in straight sets to set up a second round encounter with world No.2 Rafael Nadal at Acapulco.
The 23-year-old eased through the opening match, beating the Sydney International finalist 6-3 7-5 in 73 minutes.
Surging to a 6-3 4-1 lead, Kyrgios then struggled to close down the match as the Italian fought back late in the second set.
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In his frustration, the Canberran belted a ball into the stands and earned himself a warning from the umpire.
But as it turns out, letting out some steam was all Kyrgios needed to regain his confidence and motivation to take out the match.
Finishing the match having won 70 per cent of his first-serve points and hitting 13 aces, the Australian secured the win on his first match point.
Kyrgios will take on Spanish champion Nadal in the second round at the Mexican Open, who he has defeated twice in five previous meetings.
The world No.2 eased through the first round, defeating Germany's Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-3.
⚡️ ⚡️ ⚡️@NickKyrgios lighting it up in Mexico. #GoAussies pic.twitter.com/k3NzovgZX7
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) February 27, 2019
Meanwhile on Centre Court, Alexei Popyrin faced a tough first round opponent in Alexander Zverev and went down in straight sets.
The world No.3 dominated the Australian 6-3 6-3, despite needing treatment for a neck issue near the beginning of the match.
One of the points of the year.
— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) February 27, 2019
Not to be for @AlexeiPopyrin99 but boy that was next level 👏 #GoAussiespic.twitter.com/tENXtnIHMR
Alex de Minaur was also pushed to the limit against world No.67 Nicolas Jarry, as both sets were sent into tiebreaks.
Winning the match 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-2) the 20-year-old prevailed over the Chilean in his first match on the ATP tour since the Australian Open.
De Minaur and Kyrgios will join compatriot John Millman in the second round at Acapulco.
