\n<\/p>\n
Fearnley’s dominance quietened the home fans at a packed John Cain Arena which has boisterously backed Kyrgios during the memorable moments of his Australian Open career.<\/p>\n
However, the atmosphere quickly fell flat as it became apparent that Kyrgios was struggling.<\/p>\n
Former world number 13 Kyrgios, who is unranked and received a wildcard to play, suffered an abdominal injury on his return at the Brisbane International at the start of January.<\/p>\n
It meant there was a doubt if he would even play in Melbourne this week.<\/p>\n
Kyrgios looked short of fitness from the start against Fearnley, regularly clutching his abdominal area and twice needing treatment at his chair.<\/p>\n
Fearnley, who enjoyed a meteoric rise into the world’s top 100 last year, refused to be distracted by the issues faced by his opponent.<\/p>\n
While Kyrgios rallied from a break down in the third set, briefly stoking up the crowd, Fearnley raced away in the tie-break to move into the second round.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n