Nick Kyrgios reaches the US Open quarterfinals for the first time in his career after a sublime performance to eliminate world No.1 and defending champion Daniil Medvedev.
New York, USA, 5 September 2022 | Matt Trollope
Nick Kyrgios has produced an inspired performance to knock world No.1 and defending champion Daniil Medvedev out of the US Open.
The Australian star advanced to his first quarterfinal in New York, courtesy of a 7-6(11) 3-6 6-3 6-2 triumph under lights at a sold-out Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday night.
Kyrgios came through an enthralling tiebreak, then overcame a second-set lapse, to dominate the affair, improving his head-to-head record against the Russian to 4-1.
“It was an amazing match. Obviously Daniil is defending champion, a lot of pressure on his shoulders. But I played really well. I’ve been playing amazing the last couple of months,” Kyrgios said on court.
“What a place to do it – packed house in New York. I’m extremely blessed.”
After going seven-and-a-half years without appearing in a major quarterfinal, Kyrgios has now notched two in a row, after reaching the same stage at Wimbledon – where he ultimately progressed to the final – in July.
He will next face Karen Khachanov, who earlier upstaged Pablo Carreno Busta in five sets, for a place in the semifinals.
“I take it one match at a time. Obviously that belief came from Wimbledon … that final (loss to Novak Djokovic) was a hard pill to swallow,” said Kyrgios, who is projected to rise to world No.18 as well as reclaim the Australian No.1 ranking.
“Khachanov is a great player, he’s a great fighter, we’ve had some absolute battles.
“I’m just glad I’m finally able to show New York my talent. I haven’t had many good trips here, to be honest, I haven’t played great tennis.
“So I’m really glad that I’m able to show you guys the work, and the dedication, finally. Took me 27 years.”
The pair’s head-to-head record laid fascinating foundations for this fourth-round blockbuster; Kyrgios led the series 3-1, but Medvedev had won their only Grand Slam battle, earlier this season at Australian Open 2022.
Perhaps most tellingly, Kyrgios had beaten Medvedev just a few weeks ago at the Montreal Masters, and continued that good form against the world No.1 on Sunday night in New York.
He…
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