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'Warms my heart': Tennis world gushes over sweet Nick Kyrgios moment

sam goodwin
Sports Editor

Nick Kyrgios has won praise from tennis fans after a simple gesture for Andy Murray’s return to singles competition.

After a seven-month absence from playing singles, Murray made an inspirational comeback at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday.

Murray lost 6-4 6-4 to Richard Gasquet in the first round, his first singles match since hip surgery after the Australian Open.

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Fans flocked to see the Scot back in action, roaring with delight as the three-time grand slam champion walked out on court.

And sitting among the fans was none other than Kyrgios.

The Aussie star is good mates with Murray and showed his support, despite having his own match to prepare for later on Monday.

Fellow player Feliciano Lopez was also sitting with Kyrgios, both cheering on their mate.

Tennis fans and journos spotted Kyrgios courtside and gushed over the Aussie’s simple gesture.

Not to be for Murray

Murray's service was broken in the opening game of his first-round clash with the Frenchman on Monday, and the understandably rusty-looking former world No.1 found himself within a point of a 3-0 deficit.

However, warming to his task, he fought back to lead 3-2 before Gasquet, employing a series of drop shots as he moved the Briton around the court, turned the screw to take the first set 6-4.

The second set started in much the same way as the first, as Gasquet, who missed the first four months of the season with a groin injury, broke in the opening game and then backed it up to lead 2-0.

Andy Murray leaves the court after losing to Richard Gasquet in his comeback to singles. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Andy Murray leaves the court after losing to Richard Gasquet. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

But Murray showed a deft touch to hold serve with a half-volleyed lob and then produced a string of winners to push his opponent hard before he made it 3-1 with an ace.

The Scot once again showed his mettle, putting pressure on the Gasquet serve and holding his next two to make it 4-3 with his game improving all the time.

Both men held to allow the Frenchman to serve for the match at 5-4, and he needed no second invitation to seal a 6-4 6-4 victory.

with AAP