It was a typical Kyrgios performance in many ways, with some blistering shots, plenty of errors and two code violations: one for swearing and another for breaking a racquet, which he then hurled into the vacant seats. There were also several underarm serve attempts.

He was clearly frustrated by his left knee, clutching it during changes of serve and looking generally hampered as Coric moved him around the court and into the net. After one point he verbalised his annoyance, in usual blunt Kyrgios fashion, at being unable to get into the right positions to hit each shot.

Whenever Kyrgios plays at Melbourne Park he draws a crowd. This time there was barely enough for a game of mixed doubles and the 25-year-old appeared a little flat without anyone there to cheer him on.

After the match, Kyrgios reflected on what the empty stands might mean for him in the main draw: “It’s going to be tough. Especially in your home backyard,” he said.

Loading

“Last year when I played [Karen] Khachanov or [Rafael] Nadal ... every single person in the stadium was going nuts. It was like a movement last year with the bushfires, with everything.”

“I couldn’t go outside really. It was insane. We’re just going to have to put up with it this year.”

Those spectators who were there wore masks, however only indoors, with the outside courts mostly free of face coverings. QR codes greeted ticket holders as they walked into each stand.

Another change was the lack of line judges, with computers replacing humans for the calls of in and out. In a nod to tradition, a recorded “fault!” played over the PA rather than an automated beep. The ball kids still did their thing, charging around the court to pick up each stray ball.

The rain eventually came, along with a clap of thunder, however it only forced a brief suspension as the sun shone soon after and play resumed.

The organisers will be hoping the clouds stay parted, particularly those related to COVID, over the next couple of weeks.