Nick Kyrgios rises above mid-match meltdown to advance in Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios overcame a stubborn Gilles Simon in the second round at the Australian Open to advance after a rollercoaster match.

Kyrgios was cruising along taking the first two sets - and even had time to mock Rafael Nadal - before a mid-match meltdown saw the Frenchman take the third.

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The enigmatic Aussie even had a go at his own player’s box, appearing to take aim at their advice.

"Absolutely flying colours. So creative. So creative. So creative,” he said, according to tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg, appearing to direct the mocking words at his support team.

“Out of all the things you could say: 'stay tough.' Thanks, man. Thanks. That's what I get on every break point. Wow. Wow. Wow. ‘Stay tough,' yep. That's good, that's good. S**t.”

But the Aussie regained his composure and took the fourth to win 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5.

The win moves him closer to a showdown with his rival Nadal in the fourth round.

Kyrgios mocks Nadal

Kyrgios was producing some of his best ever tennis against Gilles Simon in the second round of the Australian Open, but became incensed when he copped a time violation.

The penalty came despite Kyrgios waiting for the crowd to settle before serving.

Feeling his frustration, the crowd booed the umpire after the bizarre call and Kyrgios expressed his disappointment.

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But the great entertainer then found time to mock his rival, Nadal, before his next serve as he impersonated the Spaniard’s fiddly service routine.

Kyrgios is no stranger to taking digs at his rival, who he often claims is given an unfair advantage from the umpires when taking his time to serve.

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