Kyrgios wins frenetic five-setter over mustachioed countryman Thompson

A 7-6 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (10), 0-6, 6-1 scoreline is only strange if you discount the fact that Nick Kyrgios was one of the participants. Taking that into account, it was a typical Tuesday at the office for the Aussie, who faced another one in mustachioed Jordan Thompson. The camaraderie between the two countryman added to the entertainment of this first-rounder, which vacillated between hard-fought and lopsided throughout its three hours and 26 minutes. That's a short duration for a five-setter—but remember, Kyrgios was involved.

This match was pockmarked with Kyrgios staples: jaw-dropping winners (63 in all); head-shaking shot selection (a tweener volley during a pivotal moment of the first-set tiebreaker); flickering resolve (the third set, which Kyrgios won on his eighth set point); momentary brilliance (a tough pickup volley hit behind Thompson to win the match). But give Kyrgios plenty of credit for winning a first set Thompson "had in the bag," according to another Aussie, ESPN's Darren Cahill, and for taking the match after winning just five points in the fourth set.

Kyrgios rose from the dead—he appeared to be ailing physically in the fourth set—to claim a spot in the second round, which is a nightmare scenario for Rafael Nadal, who he will likely face next. [Editor's note: they will face each other.] Nadal and Kyrgios have exchanged less-than-pleasant remarks about each other during press conferences, podcasts and on social media, so there will be plenty talk about heading into the contest, should it happen.

It was at their first meeting, at Wimbledon, where Kyrgios announced himself to the tennis world, and few would be surprised if he did it again. That's quintessentially Kyrgios.

And if Kyrgios followed up that hypothetical upset with a desultory loss in his very night match? Well, that's quintessentially Kyrgios, too.