US Open champion Dominic Thiem was given an unexpectedly tough test as he kicked off his bid for a maiden Australian Open title Monday, pressed hard by Kazakh veteran Mikhail Kukushkin before racing to the finish line.
The third-seeded Austrian, a narrow loser to Novak Djokovic in last year’s Melbourne final, came through his match on Rod Laver Arena 7-6 (7/2), 6-2, 6-3, but was made to work for it.
“It’s interesting because it’s the first time I’ve met him and there’s not too many I didn’t meet on tour,” said Thiem of his opponent.
“He’s very experienced and the first set was super-challenging. But, in general, I’m very happy to be back and have success in the first round.”…
Keep on reading: US Open champion Thiem clears Kazakh hurdle