Match of the Day: Nick Kyrgios vs. Tommy Paul, Delray Beach

In his first tournament back since the Australian Open, top seed Nick Kyrgios will face off against Tommy Paul, one of his very best buds, for the first time. It’s never easy playing a friend, especially in such a mono a mono sport like tennis. But no matter what happens between the lines, their friendship will not be affected.

“Tommy’s one of my best friends,” Kyrgios said at his Monday morning press conference. “It’s tough because I want to see him do well, but he’s also more than capable of beating me.”

The two share a passion for basketball, and have likely shared a basketball court together more than a tennis court. Both skilled hoopers, they play pick-up games with each other any chance they get.

Both players are in fine form, coming off impressive performances at the Australian Open. Paul currently sits at a career-high No. 70 in the world, while Nick Kyrgios is the No. 1 seed for first time in his career. Kyrgios has long been a believer in Paul’s ability, and was quick to congratulate him on his career best win over Grigor Dimitrov in Melbourne.

Paul should feel right at home at the Delray Beach Tennis Center, located just 10 miles from his residence in Boca Raton, FL. While Kyrgios is certainly the favorite, it’s impossible to predict how their relationship will affect this match, if at all. Historically, Delray's stadium court rewards big servers. Some past champions include Sam Querrey, Ivo Karlovic, Marin Cilic, Ernests Gulbis, Kevin Anderson, Jack Sock, and Juan Martin Del Potro.

If Kyrgios serves well, break opportunities will be few and far between for Paul, while Kyrgios should get a handful of looks at the American’s good, but not great, serve. Paul can hang with Kyrgios from the ground, and might even be the better mover of the two.

Both players are showmen at heart, and will enjoy playing in front of the large late-night Delray crowd.

“We’d probably grab dinner afterwards if it wasn’t such a late match,” Paul said. "It’s going to be a fun one for sure.”