New York: Nick Kyrgios downed world number one Daniil Medvedev 7-6(11) 3-6 6-3 6-2 in an absorbing battle on Monday (AEST) to reach the US Open quarter-finals and end the Russian’s hopes for a title defence in New York.
With the loss to the Australian, there will be a new world number one when rankings are released at the conclusion of the year’s final Grand Slam.
This is the first time Kyrgios, 27, has reached the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows.
It also extends the recent run of high-level play for the 23rd-seed, who reached his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in July.
In a meeting worthy of a Broadway show between two of the game’s biggest servers and most combustible personalities, it was Kyrgios who was the better in the match’s biggest moments, showing off a renewed focus and fitness. He outplayed Medvedev with the help of 21 aces.
“It was an amazing match,” Kyrgios said in an on-court interview before a sold-out crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Daniil is the defending champion, so there’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but I played really well. I’ve been playing amazing the last couple months and what a place to do it, packed house in New York.
“I’m extremely blessed.”
Next is a match-up on Tuesday against Karen Khachanov.
More to come.
Reuters and AP
