It’s aces high as Kyrgios fires up

A NICK Kyrgios serving masterclass set Australia up for a fast start in its ATP Cup tennis opener against Germany in Brisbane last night.

The world No. 30 served 20 aces in a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win over Jan-Lennard Struff at Pat Rafter Arena.

Australian No. 1 Alex de Minaur then downed world No. 7 Alexander Zverev in the second rubber late last night 4-6 7-6 6-2 to sew up the tie for Australia.

Kyrgios began his match with an ace and sealed it 72 minutes later with his 20th.

Every one of his aces meant $200 out of his pocket towards Australia’s bushfire relief efforts.

Kyrgios managed a break in the sixth game in a first set that was dominated by the server.

That theme continued as the pair traded blows in the second set.

Kyrgios avoided trouble twice as Struff stayed on terms, both times finding aces at 30-30 to ensure a tie-break.

Kyrgios then produced when it mattered to start his Australian summer in comprehensive fashion.

Earlier, Denis Shapovalov pulled off the ATP Cup’s first upset to seal victory for Canada in its opening clash with Greece.

The big-serving left-hander upstaged world No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6 (8-6) 7-6 (6-4) to give Canada an unbeatable 2-0 lead in their tie.

In Perth, the United States was a shock loser to Norway, which won a tense tie-break in the deciding doubles after Casper Ruud upstaged John Isner 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (10-8) 7-5.

In Sydney, Belgium had to dig deep to take a 2-0 lead over unheralded Moldova at Ken Rosewall Arena.

But all eyes were on Tsitsipas, 21, who arrived as tennis’ hottest property after becoming the youngest person in 18 years to clinch the ATP Finals.

But Shapovalov, the world No. 15, had the measure of the 2019 Australian Open semi-finalist to extend his career head-to-head record to 3-1.

Shapovalov, 20, fired down 12 aces to the Greek’s two and thrashed 32 winners compared with his opponent’s 19.

Shapovalov’s momentum was only stalled when a line umpire tripped and injured herself midpoint in the second set and had to be helped off the court in a wheelchair.

Canada had a dream start when Felix Auger-Aliassime overpowered Michail Pervolarakis in straight sets.

Pictures: AAP, AP EYE ON THE PRIZE: Nick Kyrgios is a picture of concentration as he sends down a big serve in his win over German Jan-Lennard Struff; and (below) Kyrgios salutes after his win.