Brisbane QLD, Australia, 3 January 2018 | AAP

His body language may have screamed otherwise but Nick Kyrgios has played down a knee injury scare after literally limping into the Brisbane International quarterfinals.

Third seed Kyrgios cut a frustrated figure after having his left knee strapped early and at times could barely move around the court but still pulled off a three set second-round win over countryman Matthew Ebden at Pat Rafter Arena on Wednesday.

.@nickkyrgios spreading the court like a knife on butter! pic.twitter.com/k6P75rlJr4

— 7Sport (@7SportAU) January 3, 2018

World No.21 Kyrgios revealed he had suffered a knee twinge during hitting practice with two-time grand slam winner Lleyton Hewitt two days ago but at no stage felt like retiring in the hard-fought 6-7 (7-3) 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 win.

The 22-year-old also dismissed a suggestion he would be battling to be fit for the Australian Open, starting on January 15.

For Brisbane International tickets and more tournament information, visit brisbaneinternational.com.au.