FLORIDA — Top seed Juan Martin del Potro cut towering American Reilly Opelka down to size on Thursday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory in the second round of the Delray Beach Open in Florida.

In his first event back after being sidelined for four months with a knee injury, Del Potro's consistency was key in the win over his 2.11 meter tall opponent, who leads the men's tour in aces this year.

The Argentine, who stands 13cm shorter than his opponent, took a little off his own serve to cope with the blustery conditions on the outdoor hardcourt. He held serve easily throughout and one break in each set was enough, clinching victory when Opelka sent a service return long.

Opelka won his first career title at the New York Open on Sunday but was nowhere near his best against Del Potro and looked particularly vulnerable on his second serve.

Next up for Del Potro in the quarterfinals on Friday is unseeded American Mackenzie McDonald, who beat Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5, 6-4.

Also on Thursday, American fourth seed Steve Johnson beat Italian Paolo Lorenzi 7-5, 7-5 and Radu Albot of Moldova beat Nick Kyrgios 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Australian Kyrgios raised some eyebrows with his antics during the match, and looked to have had a verbal exchange with a spectator during a changeover.

"There was a lot going through the mind of Nick Kyrgios," said Tennis Channel commentator Mark Knowles, a former world number one doubles player.

"He had the sidewinder serve, the chip forehand, he threw his racket up in the air, he had some conversations with the crowd, some dancing going on. Didn't seem like he was that focused on his tennis today."

Murray could make return after

hip surgery, says mother Judy

Andy Murray could return to competitive tennis after undergoing hip resurfacing surgery last month but the former world number one also knows his career might already be over, his mother Judy has said.

Three-times Grand Slam champion Murray said before his first round exit at the Australian Open last month that the tournament could be his last as a professional due to severe hip pain.

"I think he will (return)," Judy was quoted as saying by Sky Sports at the Rio Open. "(But) I think he's aware that it might not be possible.

"He's a smart guy, he has a lot of interest in different things, he has a lot of options in life after tennis. But the most important thing is that he's free from the pain he's had for 20 months.

"He has a young family, you have to think about the quality of life for the rest of your life. Actually, that's the most important thing."

The two-time Olympic champion said last month surgery was the only option if he wanted to extend his career. — Reuters