A Nick Kyrgios serving masterclass has put Australia up 1-0 in their ATP Cup opener against Germany in Brisbane.
The world No.30 served 20 aces in a 6-4 7-6 (7-4) win over Jan-Lennard Struff at Pat Rafter Arena.
Australian No.1 Alex De Minaur can sew up the tie with a win over world No.7 Alexander Zverev, with a doubles rubber to decide the clash if the German levels proceedings.
Kyrgios began the match with an ace and sealed it 72 minutes later with his 20th, every one of which meant $200 out of his own pocket towards Australia’s bushfire relief efforts.
The Australian managed a break in the sixth game in a first set that was otherwise dominated by the server and the theme continued as the pair traded blows in the second set.
He avoided trouble twice as Struff stayed on terms, both times finding aces at 30-30 to ensure a tie-break.
Kyrgios then produced when it mattered to start his Australian summer in comprehensive fashion.