New York, NY, USA, 2 September 2015 | AAP/tennis.com.au

Nick Kyrgios took his first set off Andy Murray in four career meetings on Tuesday night at the US Open but nonetheless fell to the tournament’s third seed.

Murray was too solid and consistent for the 20-year-old Kyrgios, winning 7-5 6-3 4-6 6-1 under lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The victory solidifies him as one of the red hot favourites for the men’s title at Flushing Meadows.

Kyrgios was in agreement.

“I think he’s probably in the best form of his life. He can go really well, potentially win it,” the Australian said.

“I thought I put in a really good performance tonight. Obviously it’s not the result I wanted. But I thought I was focused and ready for today. I had a good preparation.

“Obviously I would have liked to play him deeper in the draw. Somebody has to play him.”

Kyrgios broke serve early in the first set only for the Scot to come storming back.

The contest was perhaps most notable for Kyrgios’ audacious shot making and at times questionable shot selection.

Yet the world No.37 forced Murray to work extremely hard in his first hit-out at the year’s final Grand Slam.

Kyrgios felt it was a “bit rough” to say he “wasted chances” in the match.

“I thought I created opportunities. I tried to take them,” he said.

“I thought he served pretty clutch in certain situations. His defence was unbelievable again tonight.”

Kyrgios also said he had no plans to change his flashy playing style or to curb his exuberance.

“I like going for shots that aren’t high percentage. I’ve just got a really good self-confidence,” he said.

“It’s nothing that’s been different in my career. It’s always been like that. I’ve always been an emotional person on the court.”