NICK KYRGIOS and Gilles Simon cheekily attempted to mimic Rafa Nadals OCD 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 Nadals routine.
Asked about which imitation was better, which followed a time violation, Kyrgios joked: I dont know. I dont 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 dont know. Im 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 dont deserve that. They do a lot of things for me on and off the court.
No, its not acceptable from me. Nothing to do with them.
In the Last 32, Kyrgios will now face Russian Karen Khachanov and if Nadal beats fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the two enemies will meet in the fourth round in Melbourne.
Nadal, 33, beat dogged Argentine Federico Delbonis 6-3 7-6 6-1 in his pursuit for a record-equalling 19th major.
