adminLONDON. – Nick Kyrgios says “so many people will be upset” he has reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals, but says it is a “good feeling” to silence his critics.
His entertaining SW19 run continued as he shrugged off a shoulder injury to beat American Brandon Nakashima 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-2 and reach his first major quarter-final in seven years.
He is joined in the last eight by Rafael Nadal, who continued his bid for a calendar Grand Slam with a 6-4 6-2 7-6 (8-6) victory over Botic van de Zandschulp.
Kyrgios was more subdued than in his fiery match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, staying largely quiet as he set up a meeting with Chile’s Cristian Garin.
The 27-year-old Australian maintained his focus in a disciplined display and put his success at the All England Club down to improving his habits off the court.
“There was a time where I was having to be forced out of a pub at 4am to play (Rafael) Nadal,” said Kyrgios, who is ranked 40th in the world.
“My agent had to come get me out before I played my match on Centre Court (at) Wimbledon. I’ve come a long way, that’s for sure.”
Unseeded Garin, 26, prevented an all-Australian encounter by fighting back from two sets down – and saving two match points in the fifth – to beat 19th seed Alex de Minaur.
The world number 43, more of a clay-court specialist, reached his first major quarter-final with a 2-6 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 7-6 (10-6) victory.
All eyes were back on Kyrgios following his explosive third-round match against Greek fourth seed Tsitsipas, which became one of the biggest talking points of this year’s championships after containing so much drama.
While the match against Nakashima on Centre Court lacked the fireworks of Saturday night on Court One, it was an absorbing slow burner.
Break opportunities were rare as the pair dominated their service games, with Kyrgios’ injury issue further making a match with fluctuating swings difficult to call.
After securing a hard-fought win with his first match point, he said: “I need a large glass of wine tonight for sure.”
On how he managed to battle past 20-year-old Nakashima, he added: “It wasn’t anywhere near my best performance level-wise but I’m super happy to get through and I fought really hard.
“I’ve played a lot of tennis in the past month and a half and I’m proud of the way I steadied the ship.” – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter