Australian Open: Nadal in hunt as Kyrgios exits

Australian Open: Nadal in hunt as Kyrgios exits

Spaniard Nadal won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in front of a packed crowd at the Rod Laver Arena to move one step closer to a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.

AgenciesUpdated: Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 11:33 AM IST
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Australia's Nick Kyrgios wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey with former basketball player Kobe Bryant's number warms up to play against Spain's Rafael Nadal during their men's singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2020. | AFP

Rafael Nadal beat home favourite Nick Kyrgios to storm into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open here on Monday.

Spaniard Nadal won 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in front of a packed crowd at the Rod Laver Arena to move one step closer to a record-equalling 20th Grand Slam title.

"It was a very tough match," Nadal told former World No. 1 John McEnroe in an on-court interview as quoted by the ATP Tour website after the match.

"In the beginning I was in control, but you're never in control against Nick. When I made the mistake on serve in the second set, with one serve of mine, it was so difficult to break him again.

"I did the same in the fourth set, but he played a good game. I played a scary game at 5-4, it's part of the sport and you have to accept it. I tried to recover mentally for 6-5 and then the tie-break. When he plays like today with a positive attitude, he gives a lot to the sport. He's one of the best talents on Tour and I like the Nick Kyrgios of this tournament."

Nadal held serve to love nine times and landed 64 winners to reach his 12th quarter-final at Melbourne Park after three hours and 38 minutes.

The Spaniard has reached five Australian Open finals.

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