Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios play drastically disparate styles.
The Aussies began the day on course for a Wimbledon quarterfinal clash and concluded it residing on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum.
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The 19th-seeded de Minaur squandered a two-set lead bowing to Cristian Garin in a heart-breaking 2-6, 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6[10-6] defeat. Garin saved two match points while serving from 15-40 at 4-5 in the fifth set.
The speedy, scrappy de Minaur has a well-earned reputation as a fighter though he’s had trouble finishing in five-setters. De Minaur dropped to 3-5 in five-set matches.
In contrast, Kyrgios, whose stamina has been suspect in the past, tanked the final game of the fourth set then steamrolled through the fifth set subduing 20-year-old American Brandon Nakashima 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-2 to advance to his second career Wimbledon quarterfinal.
The volatile Kyrgios raised his five-set record to 11-3, including a perfect 6-0 in Wimbledon five-setters. Kyrgios’ success going the distance, combined with his explosive serve and the most grass-court wins on the ATP this season, are three reasons why he can go all the way, de Minaur said.
“Look, I think Nick can beat anyone in the draw, so it depends on his level on the given day,” de Minaur told the media. “Yeah, he’s got a lot of talent.
“Yeah, if he has a good day, I think he can beat everyone left in the draw.”
In the aftermath of his entertaining five-set loss to Kyrgios on Centre Court, Nakashima said the Australian Open doubles champion’s unpredictability is unsettling.
“I think everyone knows how talented he is out there,” Nakashima said. “You know, he can serve really well at times, come up with big shots.
“You kind of know how talented he is, but you don’t really know, like, you know, when it’s going to come out of him.”
Photo credit: Getty
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