Federico Delbonis vs Nick in Opening Game

David Nalbandian’s countryman, Federico Delbonis, will face the local crowd’s favourite Nick Kyrgios in his opening game at Melbourne Park.

The 24-year old did not quite have the ideal start to this new season as he fell in the first round in the tournament played in Auckland just days ago.

It was a big defeat for Delbonis. Although he was not facing a nuisance, he was up against Adrian Mannarino, the French player, who is 20 odd places ahead of him in the rankings, but, he would surely have backed himself to emerge winner there.

But, let alone the win, he could not even put in a fighting effort. He actually got embarrassed as his opponent secured breadstick in each of the first two sets.

Such losses obviously affect your morals in a negative way especially when you are not established as a player on the tour, but, Delbonis should take that Auckland game only as a bad day.

Of course, Kyrgios is not a weaker opponent and playing in his own backyard, he would be even more confident and thus, more dangerous.

If the two players are compared ranking wise, there is not much difference. But, the recent form says that Kyrgios has a better chance.

Delbonis’ game has come down rapidly over the previous 6-8 months.

Kyrgios though is not taking the challenge any lightly. He described Delbonis as a ‘tough player’ in the press conference yesterday.

The teenager was quoted as saying, “Federico is a solid player and he always fights hard and I am sure he would be coming hard tomorrow as well. For me, it’s about having fun. I don’t step on the court with a loaded mind.”

Delbonis has never faced Kyrgios in a singles competitive match so far.