"I am very impatient (...) It is for this kind of meeting that I play tennis".

Medvedev is warned, Kyrgios is waiting for him.

Especially since the Australian currently leads 2 to 0 against the Russian.

But, and they both acknowledge it, their last clash dating back to the summer of 2019, this time everything can be different.

Already because since then Medvedev's level has increased considerably, the Russian having notably won his first Grand Slam last year, at the US Open.

For his part, Kyrgios has fallen to 115th place in the world and has played very little in the past two years, the fault of the Covid, injuries – the last to the abdominals this summer – and also sometimes motivation on alternating current.

Russian Daniil Medvedev during his match against Swiss Henri Laaksonen at the Australian Open on January 18, 2022 in Melbourne Paul Crock AFP

But at home in Melbourne, the Australian remains a dangerous opponent.

Last year, arriving unprepared for the Australian Open, he gave Dominic Thiem, then 3rd in the world, a hard time in the 3rd round.

Before that, he had saved two match points to win against Hugo Humbert (6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7), all in a fiery atmosphere.

"To give everything"

Because in tense matches, Kyrgios is able to transcend himself.

Especially carried by the Australian public who will, as always, be all for their cause.

"It certainly won't be easy, with the crowd against me," admitted Medvedev.

"He will certainly give his all, like every time he plays against big names".

But will Kyrgios have the physique for it?

Last week, he had to withdraw from Sydney after testing positive for Covid, which inevitably weighed on his preparation.

Australian Nick Kyrgios during his match against Briton Liam Broady at the Australian Open on January 18, 2022 in Melbourne William WEST AFP

And in front of him, he will have a Russian in top form, over-motivated by the prospect of being able to win a 2nd Major and also the possibility, in the event of a coronation, of taking the place of world No.1.

"He's probably the best player in the world, he does everything extremely well," Kyrgios said.

"But I always wanted to prove to people that someone like me could win this kind of game."

"If I play well, it won't be easy for him and it promises a good game," predicted the Russian.

In the first round, Medvedev, all in control, dismissed the Swiss Henri Laaksonen 6-1, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3).

Kyrgios got rid of the American Liam Broady (6-4, 6-4, 6-3), even offering himself the luxury of a fantasy: a service under the spoon combined with a ball between the legs.

What surprise(s) does he have in store for Medvedev?

© 2022 AFP