Nick Kyrgios claims five-set thriller to advance to Wimbledon second round

·

Nick Kyrgios is through to the second round at Wimbledon after beating rising French star, Ugo Humbert, in five sets for the second time at a grand slam this year.

“Not too bad for a part time player,’’ Kyrgios said after securing the match 9-7 in the fifth set, referring to the few matches he has played in the past 18 months.

“It didn’t take me much to get me off the couch in Canberra, Australia. Wimbledon is one of my favourite events, it was an easy decision for me.”

Kyrgios’ second clash with the 23-year-old this season featured its fair share of drama.

The match resumed precariously poised at 3-all in the fifth set after Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew cut the match short on Thursday morning (AEST).

About 16 hours later, the pair resumed play. After four relatively routine holds from both players, Kyrgios pounced.

At 7-all, he forced three break points on Humbert’s serve. He took the third opportunity.

The 26-year-old saved two break points while serving for the match before claiming his first match point in typical Kyrgios style – with a big first serve down the middle.

But it was the slickness of the grass that almost cost Kyrgios the victory when, at 6-6 in the fifth set, he hurt his hip while doing the splits at the back of the court.

Kyrgios screamed in pain as he slipped on the court, but was able to resume the match. Credit: Getty Images.

After rolling around for a few seconds, Kyrgios resumed play but was initially hampered in his movements, relying instead on his lethal serve.

“I was always gonna get up and play with one leg, I was going to finish the match,” he said, before adding: “I am not the most flexible bloke so anytime my legs spread a little bit apart, its like ‘argh’, it was pretty brutal.”

One service game later, Kyrgios pounced on his first opportunity to break Humbert’s serve and didn’t look back.

Having beaten the 21st seed 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 9-7, Kyrgios’ portion of the draw has now opened up. He will play world No. 77 Gianluca Mager in the second round.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

GCM celebrates perfect pass rate in Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams

Greek Community of Melbourne schools have achieved an outstanding 100% success rate in the recent Certificate of Attainment in Greek exams.

Snowtown killer James Vlassakis granted parole after 26 years in jail

James Vlassakis, one of the perpetrators in SA's infamous Snowtown murders, has been granted parole after serving 26 years behind bars.

Tourgelis family lists iconic Opus Design storefront in Paddington

The Tourgelis-owned Opus Design – a much-loved gift and homewares store – has officially hit the market at 354 Oxford Street in Paddington.

Floreat Athena FC unveils major changeroom and clubroom redevelopment

A multi-million-dollar transformation is complete at Floreat Athena Football Club, with the unveiling of brand-new changerooms and clubrooms.

Chanel Contos calls for ‘porn literacy’ in Australian schools

Greek Australian activist Chanel Contos is now campaigning to introduce “porn literacy” into schools. More details here.

You May Also Like

Jim David: ‘It is my ethical duty to fight for the Cyprus problem’

Greek Cypriot Demetrios Thavid, also as known Jim David, was born in 1943 in Nicosia, Cyprus. Read his story here.

45th Patrino Karnavali to light up Sydney’s Brighton-Le-Sands

The 45th Patrino karnavali in Sydney is around the corner with a full night of festivity planned at the Brighton Le Sands.

Nick Staikos MP set to join Victorian Premier’s Cabinet

Member for Bentleigh, Nick Staikos, is set to become the newest addition to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s cabinet.