Winning isn't easy, but it can be the ultimate crowd pleaser.

Nick Kyrgios felt the fan support saving a match point to beat American qualifier Denis Kudla, 6-7 (2), 7-5, 7-6 (9) and reach the Western & Southern Open second round.

More: Kyrgios Saves Match Point Prevails in Cincinnati

Kyrgios, the 2017 Cincinnati runner-up to Grigor Dimitrov, explained his relationship to Cincinnati fans simply: when he wins they love him, when he loses they don't.

"I guess they just like a winner, because one year I broke three racquets in a row and they didn't really like me," Kyrgios told the media. "I made finals last year and they loved me. I guess if I keep winning, they love me, and if I lose, they won't like me."

The 23-year-old Aussie, who took the court with taping wrapping his right knee, has been battling left hip and right elbow issues this season.

Kyrgios said he's not 100 percent healthy but believes "as long as I can serve, I have a good chance to win."

"We have been definitely thinking about the options with my hip," Kyrgios said. "You know, there is only so much you can do before you have to, you know, I guess, get surgery or something like that. You know, right now I'm just managing it.

"Obviously I'm feeling my right knee because I'm favoring my left side of my body a little bit. I'm just trying to get through it. The physio has been helping me. I've been doing rehab every day. I'm doing everything I can. As I said, as long as I can serve, I have a good chance to win."

Photo credit: Brisbane Tennis Facebook