Ailing Kyrgios makes gloomy exit from Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios's long-awaited return to the Grand Slam stage was cut short on Monday as Briton Jacob Fearnley sent the ailing home hero out of the Australian Open in the first round.

A capacity crowd packed out Kyrgios's favorite John Cain Arena for his first match at Melbourne Park in three years, hoping the tennis showman could shrug off an abdominal strain to battle through.

Most left deflated as Kyrgios went down swinging in a 7-6(3) 6-3 7-6(2) defeat, with the injury hampering his serve and movement.

With most of his last two seasons wiped out due to knee problems and wrist surgery, a gloomy Kyrgios said he might have played his last singles match at Melbourne Park given his injury fatigue.

"I went out there, I would say 65% of my capacity," he told reporters.

"For (the fans) to really see me fighting and still giving me that energy, it meant a lot, because I feel like I've given my life to tennis and I've tried to give them a show every time I go out there.

"Realistically, I can't see myself playing a singles match here again."

Though lamenting his fitness, Kyrgios was full of praise for Fearnley who was impressive on debut at the year's first Grand Slam as he set up a second round match with Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.

"Obviously extremely nervous before the match, I didn't get much sleep," Fearnley said on court.

"Sorry for Nick, I could tell he was dealing with some stuff. But I thought it was a great match and I really enjoyed playing with you guys.

"All things considered, it's probably the best match (I've played)."

Rock-solid

Having previously won only two tour-level matches and with the crowd heavily stacked against him, the world number 92 barely put a foot wrong at the so-called "People's Court".

Fearnley was rock-solid on serve and kept the crowd at bay until midway through the third set when he let a 3-1 lead slip.

Kyrgios broke Fearnley to put the game back on serve at 3-3 as the Briton tensed up and failed to convert a slew of break points.

The Kyrgios party tricks came out -- the hopping, backhand winners and behind-the-back shots reigniting the crowd.

The 29-year-old scrapped his way to the tiebreak then promptly crumbled, giving up five match points in a flash.

He saved one but bowed out with a backhand into the net and exited the arena quickly with a single kiss blown at the crowd.

"No regrets," said Kyrgios, who plans to return for the doubles with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis. "My journey is not over, but I've had an amazing journey. My career's been amazing.

"I continue to try and have fun, just be real, and enjoy the ride.

"But I think it would be selfish for me to say that I want more. I've had a lot of success. More than most athletes would have."