Melbourne (AFP)

Gilles Simon (61st in the world) was eliminated by Nick Kyrgios (26th) 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, Thursday in the second round of the Australian Open, leaving Gaël Monfils to defend now alone from the 3rd round the French chances.

Largely dominated in the first two rounds, Simon almost drove his fanciful opponent crazy by preventing him from putting rhythm into the ball.

But Kyrgios managed to stay focused and finally won.

"I could have gotten lost in very, very dark corners, but I managed to get back," said the Australian.

He will face the Russian Karen Khachanov (17th) or the Swedish Mikael Ymer (78th) for a place in the round of 16.

© 2020 AFP