Nick Kyrgios battles his way into blockbuster Australian Open fourth round clash against Rafael Nadal

Australian Open
Nick Kyrgios looks to the heavens

Nick Kyrgios set up a blockbuster clash against Rafael Nadal after beating Karen Khachanov in an epic encounter at the Australian Open.

The often-controversial but never-boring Australian was not at his blistering best against the 16th seed, but the trademark swagger and sulking were evident as he rallied to a 6-2, 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (6-8), 6-7 (7-5), 7-6 (10-8) win in nearly four-and-a-half-hours.

Kyrgios will now face world number one Rafael Nadal, who admitted after his third-round win that he ‘didn’t like’ the Australian.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev was in brutally efficient form, as he outclassed Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.

Alexander Zverev is also through into the second week after his impressive form continued against Fernando Verdasco.

Zverev has often struggled to assert himself at Grand Slams, but he wrapped up a tricky-looking match against the Spaniard to claim a routine 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 win.

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“I just enjoyed, it actually. I just enjoyed being out here,” Zverev said. “It was the best match I’ve played so far this week.”

“I’m as happy as I’ve ever been on the court,” Zverev said.

Former champion Stan Wawrinka is also into round four after his opponent John Isner retired.

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Alexander Zverev Daniil Medvedev Karen Khachanov Nick Kyrgios Rafael Nadal

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