Kyrgios downs Nadal for 100th ATP win

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.

With the set finely poised at 2-2, Kyrgios was able to capitalise on some uncharacteristic errors from the Spaniard to earn the break for 3-2. Nadal tried to find a way back into the match, but Kyrgios was playing some sensational tennis.

Two match points came and went with Nadal serving while trailing 3-5. It looked like Kyrgios would secure it with the match on his racquet at 5-4, but Nadal saved a third match point as he broke back for 5-5.

Again Kyrgios attacked the Spaniard’s serve, and with a third successive break the match was once again on Kyrgios’ racquet at 6-5. This time the Aussie was able to close the match out with a massive ace – his tenth of the match – as he booked a semifinal spot against David Ferrer.

“Obviously tomorrow against Ferrer, it’s going to be a tough battle,” Kyrgios said after the win. “He’s a great competitor.

“I know that he’s feeling confident… He’s playing good tennis against good players. I know it’s going to be tough.”