Nick Kyrgios has crushed world number one Daniil Medvedev's dreams of a title defence at the U.S. Tennis Open, with a four set victory to advance to the quarter-finals in New York.
In a meeting worthy of a Broadway show between two of the game's biggest servers and most combustible personalities, it was the Australian who was the better in the match's biggest moments, showing off a renewed focus and fitness.
"It was an amazing match," Kyrgios said in an on-court interview before a sold-out crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Nick Kyrgios Photo: John Patrick Fletcher
"Daniil is the defending champion so there's a lot of pressure on his shoulders, but I played really well. I've been playing amazing the last couple months and what a place to do it, packed house in New York.
"I'm extremely blessed."
The 23rd-seeded Kyrgios will be a heavy favourite to beat 27th seed Karen Khachanov when they meet on Wednesday.
Medvedev said Kyrgios played to the level of Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
Daniil Medvedev Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"It was a high-level match. Played Novak, Rafa. They all play amazing. Nick today played kind of their level, in my opinion. He has a little bit different game because he's not like a grinder in a way. At the same time he can rally," said Medvedev.
"He's tough to play. He has an amazing serve."
"If he plays like this till end of the tournament, he has all the chances to win it," said Medvedev, who will see his world number one ranking go to Nadal, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz or Norwegian Casper Ruud at the tournament's end.
-Reuters