Drama and intrigue as Andreas Seppi defeats Nick Kyrgios in five-set classic

ByTom Adams

Updated 18/01/2017 at 12:37 GMT

Number 14 seed Nick Kyrgios had a typically eventful evening’s work as he let a two-set lead slip before losing to Andreas Seppi in five, 6-1 7-6(1) 4-6 2-6 8-10.

The enigma of the men’s tour looked in imperious form when he swatted Seppi aside in the first set, to the evident delight of the Hisense Arena.

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But after winning the second set in a tie-break, the controversial 21-year-old promptly collapsed as his discipline waned and he had a point deduction for smashing a racket as Seppi took control.

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Towards the end of the fourth set, which Seppi took 6-2, Kyrgios was barely running for some shots.

[McEnroe: Kyrgios performance 'a black eye for the sport']

In one of the most crucial games of the match, with Seppi serving for the match at 6-5 up in the fifth, Kyrgios even played a completely unnecessary tweener, before going on to win the point.

But Seppi saved a match point with a booming winner at 8-7 down in the fifth and then broke Kyrgios right after the youngster changed rackets.

The Italian served the next game out to set up a meeting with Belgium's Steve Darcis in the third round.

Highlights: Seppi sees off Kyrgios in five sets

"Maybe it was meant to be?" said Seppi, who blew a similar lead to Kyrgios on the same court in the fourth round two years ago.

"I couldn't find my rhythm at the start, but I kept fighting and I played very well in the important moments in the end."

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