Nick Kyrgios will compete for his first Grand Slam quarter-final since the 2015 Australian Open after defeating Brandon Nakashima. Venue: All England Club Dates: 27 June-10 July Coverage: Live on BBC TV, radio and online with extensive coverage on BBC iPlayer, Red Button, Connected TVs and mobile app.
Nick Kyrgios’ entertaining run at Wimbledon continued as he overcame a shoulder injury to beat American Brandon Nakashima to reach his first major quarter-final in seven years.
The Australian was more composed than in his fiery match against Stefanos Tsitsipas, remaining largely quiet in a 4-6 6-4 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 6-2 victory.
The victory came despite the need for a medical layoff and regular physical therapy.
Kyrgios, 27, will play Cristian Garin of Chile in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
“It wasn’t close to my best level of performance, but I’m super happy that I did and I fought really hard,” said Kyrgios, who is ranked 40th in the world.
“I’ve been playing a lot of tennis over the last month and a half and I’m proud of the way I’ve steadied the ship.”
Unseeded Garin, 26, averted an all-Australian encounter by fighting back from two sets down – and saving two match points in the fifth – to defeat 19th seed Alex de Minaur.
The world number 43, more of a clay specialist, reached his first major quarter-final with a 2-6 5-7 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 7-6 (10-6) victory.
Kyrgios looks at a glass of wine after claiming victory
All eyes were once again on Kyrgios after 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 Center Court lacked the fireworks of Saturday night on Court 1, it was a fascinating slow burn.
Breakthrough opportunities were rare as the pair dominated their service games, with Kyrgios’ injury problem further making a fluctuating match difficult to call.
While people regularly discuss his mentality when discussing why a player of such talent hasn’t won more titles, injuries have been another factor in what has halted Kyrgios’ progress in recent years.
Fitness issues have come to the fore again for the Australian, who pulled out of the Mallorca Open last month with an abdominal injury late in the first set against Nakashima.
But after taking painkillers and receiving regular treatment, he managed to lead two sets to one before losing his way in the fourth when Nakashima forced a decider.
Kyrgios spoiled the final game of the fourth set when he carelessly returned – and even served underarm on Nakashima’s first set point, which he still won – but settled down to run away with the decider.
After securing a hard-fought win with his first match point, he said: “I need a big glass of wine tonight for sure.”
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