Mcb777 APPKyrgios and Simon brutally mimic Nadal’s service routine including playing with pants after getting time violations – The Sun | The Sun - Machibet777 Affiliate

NICK KYRGIOS and Gilles Simon cheekily attempted to mimic Rafa Nadal’s serving action during their showdown.

The 24-year-old, who remains on a collision course with nemesis Nadal, booked his spot in the third round of the Australian Open.

There were two moments of great laughter on court when Kyrgios and Simon both tried to copy Nadal’s routine.

Asked about which imitation was better, which followed a time violation, Kyrgios joked: “I don’t know. I don’t wear underwear, so...probably Gilles.”

The Australian, a former bad boy turned good, feared he would enter a “dark place” after losing the plot in the third set against Simon.

Yet he managed to hold it together to beat the stubborn Frenchman 6-2 6-4 4-6 7-5 on a boisterous Melbourne Arena.

Kyrgios, 24, said: “If it went five sets, it would have been very tough physically.

“I just put my head down. I lost my way a little bit in the third set.

“I put my head down. I told myself; ‘Just cut the bulls*** and just get to work.’

“I could have gone to a dark place but I brought it back. I somehow scraped the win. Maturity? I don’t know. I’m just happy to get the win.”

There were plenty of exceptional shot-making from Kyrgios including the signature between-the-legs volley.

But the old Kyrgios mad behaviour momentarily returned, the ranting and raving, and cursing towards his box as he surrendered a set.

He later said sorry to his entourage, which included 2002 Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt.

The No.23 seed said: “I was being a bit of a dickhead to them.

“I apologised as soon as I went back into the locker room.

“They don’t deserve that. They do a lot of things for me on and off the court.

Kyrgios and Simon brutally mimic Nadal’s service routine including playing with pants after getting time violations