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Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC • 3001, Australia, 19 August 2017 | Tennis Australia

Nick Kyrgios has upset Rafael Nadal to book his place in the semifinals of the Cincinnati Masters and secure his 100th win on the ATP World Tour. The Australian, who had earlier downed Ivo Karlovic in three tight sets, dominated Nadal as he secured a 6-2 7-5 win in one hour 20 minutes.

In what was an impressive performance throughout, Kyrgios raced away to a 4-0 lead at the start of the match. Nadal was able to work his way onto the scoreboard, but Kyrgios’s serve was firing and he was connecting brilliantly on his ground strokes.

It was a similar story in the second set.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC • 3001, Australia, 19 August 2017 | Tennis Australian

The semifinals are set for Day 2 of the US Open wildcard playoff.

Due to intermittent rain forecasted for much of the day, a decision was made to move the matches indoors. Fortunately, the Yale Tennis Facility has eight prestige indoor courts and a 30-person viewing area (which was full to capacity).

In the day’s first match, Destanee Aiava was too strong for Kimberly Birrell during her 6-1 6-1 win. Aiava served accurately and effectively, refusing to allow Birrell the time to dial in her normally aggressive returns. Aiava, the No.3 seed. will now play Arina Rodionova in tomorrow’s the semifinals. Arina advanced through to the next round after Priscillla Hon was forced to withdraw from the event because of her impressive run at the $100k ITF in Vancouver.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC • 3001, Australia, 19 August 2017 | AAP

Nick Kyrgios has danced into the Cincinnati Masters quarterfinals, and a date with Rafael Nadal, after winning his rain-delayed match against Ivo Karlovic. The Australian No.1 prevailed 4-6 7-6(6) 6-3 on Friday.

Karlovic was leading 4-3 on serve on Thursday before rain put a stop to proceedings after he had hit eight aces to Kyrgios’ one.

The big-serving Croatian took the first set when play resumed but Kyrgios fought back via a second-set tiebreaker, showing the Ohio crowd a preview of his dance moves in celebration.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC • 3001, Australia, 19 August 2017 | Tennis Australia

Sam Stosur has been forced to withdraw from the US Open because of injury. The 33 year-old had been hoping to be ready for the final Grand Slam of the season, but is still struggling with the stress fracture that she sustained at Roland Garros.

“Obviously I am extremely disappointed to have to pull out of the US Open,” Stosur said in a short statement.

“The US Open holds such special memories for me and it is a tournament I really look forward to every year.