Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios has been knocked out of the Australian open after losing to World No.1 Rafael Nadal in a four set battle. The match saw both professionals deliver strong performances that brought the match to 3 hours and 38 minutes. with Nadal taking the victory 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-4).
Throughout the match, both professionals played to their strengths. Kyrgios delivered powerful serves averaging between 200 and 220 km/hr, hitting 25 aces throughout the match. Meanwhile, Nadal held his own in the rallies, frequently coming out on top against the inexperienced Australian, ultimately earning the Spaniard the victory.
A Thrilling Match from Point to Point
Nadal entered the match filled with energy yet conserved majority of it in the first set, moving only 1.47km in distance compared to Kyrgios’ 4.47km. Nadal found a break point early in the set, limiting Kyrgios’ movement each point and taking the first set 6-3.
The second set saw Kyrgios deliver fiercer serves, winning 20 service points to Nadal’s 10. In a reverse outcome of the first set, Kyrgios earned a break point early in the set to secure a 3-6 victory.
Set three was certainly entertaining as it saw the men go into a tie breaker, in which Nadal came out on top 7(8)-6(6). Each set was secured quite convincingly by each respective server, with the set sure to come into a tie-breaker. Kyrgios suffered a double fault point loss, giving Nadal the lead, until Nadal similarly followed suit with a double fault. Nadal managed to outpace Kyrgios in vital rallies, taking the set along with a renewed level of confidence.
As the fourth set approached, an aggravated Kyrgios seemed defeated, but did not take that defeated energy into the next set. Kyrgios came out confident, matching with Nadal fluently, until the Spaniard’s extraordinary defensive efforts earned him a break point against Kyrgios. Unfazed, Kyrgios brought back his energy to earn a break point against Nadal, takin the set into a tie breaker. Both professionals played to their last breath, however risky plays from Kyrgios saw Nadal take the set and the victory 7-6 (7-4).
Nick Kyrgios hit an incredible total of 25 aces throughout the match, increasing his donation by $5000 for the bushfire relief.
“He is one of the highest talents we have on this tour”
In the post match interview, led by John McEnroe, Nadal spoke highly of Kyrgios and the positives he brings to tennis on a global scale.
“It was a very tough match, in the beginning I seemed a bit under-confident against Nick. He played a good game but I played a scary game (at 5-4). But that’s part of the sport but it’s about recovering mentally for the tie-break.” said the World No.1.
“What can i say about nick. When he is playing like today with this positive attitude he gives a lot to the sport. I encourage him to keep working like this. He is one of the highest talents we have on this tour. And I like the Nick Kyrgios we have at this tournament.”
“I believe I am moving in the right direction in this tournament, hopefully this victory, against one of the best players in the world, gives me positive feelings. I’m going to try my best and see what happens.”
A Tribute to Kobe Bryant
Nick Kyrgios entered the arena wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey in memory of the tragic accident that occurred earlier in the day, where Kobe Bryant, along with his 13 year old daughter and 2 other passengers, lost their lives in a helicopter crash.
Rafael Nadal also payed tribute to the basketball player with a tweet saying, “I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”
Rafael Nadal will face World No. 5 Dominic Thiem at the quarterfinals of the Australian Open.
