NICK’S SEEDS OF DOUBT

NICK Kyrgios claims he “could not care less” that he will not be seeded at this year’s Australian Open, after his Brisbane International title defence came crashing down yesterday.

The 2018 Brisbane champion suffered a costly second round loss to Frenchman Jeremy Chardy, falling 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-3 on Pat Rafter Arena.

Not only did the defeat end his chances of back-to-back titles in Queensland, but it also means Kyrgios is set to drop 17 places from world No.35 to outside the top 50, to be unseeded at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.

But Kyrgios said he was not fazed by his slide in the rankings, backing himself to perform against any opponent at the Australian Open despite his rusty start to 2019.

“I honestly could not care less,” Kyrgios said when asked if not having a seeding was a concern.

“I feel like no matter who I play, I’ve got a fair shot if I play the right style of tennis and I’m feeling good.

“No matter who I draw, I’ll play and that’s just what it is.” ■ JOHN Millman’s desire to have one last magic moment at the Brisbane International was terminated yesterday by inform Grigor Dimitrov.

The Brisbane right-hander was unable to sustain the standard of tennis that helped torpedo Roger Federer at the US Open, and was eliminated 6-3, 6-4 by world No.19 Dimitrov.

Millman was down a set and two breaks of serve at 1-4 in the second set when he lifted his game to hold two points for a 5-4 lead.

But sixth seed Dimitrov imposed himself again to book a quarter-final tomorrow against world No.9 Kei Nishikori, a 7-5, 6-2 winner over American Denis Kudla.