Nick Kyrgios and Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez bowed out of the Australian Open mixed doubles on Day 9, losing 6-3, 6-1 in the second round to Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina and American James “JJ” Tracy. The straight‑sets loss ended what had been billed as one of the most entertaining pairings of the tournament after the duo’s dramatic first‑round win in a deciding match tiebreak.
The defeat was described as comprehensive, with Danilina and Tracy taking control early and running away with the match to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Night Out at Melbourne Club Raises Questions
Hours after the loss, the Herald Sun reported that Kyrgios had spent the night before the match at Melbourne nightlife spot Bar Bambi in the CBD. The report said the Australian star was seen at the club late into Sunday night and did not leave until the early hours of Monday morning, ahead of the afternoon mixed doubles clash.
Footage and eyewitness accounts circulated in local media framed the night out as poorly timed, given Kyrgios’ lingering injury issues and the quick turnaround to competition.
Renewed Scrutiny of Kyrgios’ Professionalism
The club sighting has triggered renewed debate over Kyrgios’ professionalism and preparation at his home Grand Slam. Critics argue that being out so late before a key match reflects a lack of commitment, especially alongside a young partner like Fernandez chasing a breakthrough major title.
Supporters counter that Kyrgios has often embraced an unconventional approach to the tour and that one night out does not solely explain a lopsided loss against an in‑form Danilina and Tracy pairing. The episode nonetheless adds another off‑court subplot to Kyrgios’ stop‑start career just as he was attempting a high‑profile return to the Grand Slam stage in front of home fans.