Ahead of the Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur, No. 5 seed Viktor Troicki and No. 7 seed Nick Kyrgios visited Kuala Lumpur’s Skyrides Festivals Park, where a helium balloon theme park is one of the various attractions. The ATP World Tour players also had the opportunity to take a boat ride on the scenic Putrajaya Lake.

“I have nice memories from 2011 when I played in the semi-finals here,” said the Serb, who is making his second appearance at the tournament. “I am happy to be back and I hope to play well here. I am looking forward to the Asian swing, people are really friendly and look after us. It is a strong tournament and everyone likes to play here in Kuala Lumpur.

“It is always fun when you have the opportunity to experience something different in other countries,” added Troicki, who is looking for his second final appearance in an Asian tournament (Bangkok 2009) “We took a little boat ride and it was nice.”

Kyrgios, who lost in the opening round of last year’s event, is aiming to score his first match win in his mother’s native country against Santiago Giraldo on Monday evening. Kyrgios beat Giraldo 7-6(3), 7-5 in Toronto in 2014.

“It is always a time of the year I enjoy to play,” said Kyrgios, who reached his first ATP World Tour final in Estoril earlier this year (l. to Gasquet). “My match against Giraldo is going to be tough. I have played him once and it was close. I am looking forward to getting back out on the court. I feel it would be real special if I had some good results here. It is a bit of pressure when I am playing here as well.”