Rafael Nadal news: Nick Kyrgios loses cool in Indian Wells quarter
Rafael Nadal claimed a 7-6 (7/0), 5-7, 6-4 victory over Nick Kyrgios in the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters on Thursday.
The Australian was left fuming as a rowdy crowd got under his skin.
However, Nadal was his usual unflappable self and victory seemed inevitable despite a valiant effort from a fired-up Kyrgios.
19 and counting 👏@RafaelNadal remains unbeaten this year and defeats Kyrgios to reach his 76th Masters 1000 semi-final of his career!#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/GelYj9S44L
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 18, 2022
Kyrgios surrendered the first set on a penalty point and even had a testy exchange with actor Ben Stiller.
When it was all said and done Kyrgios flung his racket once more in disgust and sent a ball boy scurrying to get out of the way of the projectile.
Nadal admitted that he got lucky at times playing against a crafty opponent mixing up his serves.
“I put the racquet there, and then I played a good point, and then he make mistake on the break point,” Nadal said.
“I feel lucky to win that set because returning with 5-4 against Nick, the chances to win that set are, let’s say, 10%, maybe less. But it happened. I played some good points there.”
“That one hit pretty hard,” Kyrgios said. “I felt like, honestly, I was the one to end the streak. I felt like I was playing well. I felt like I did everything right in the first set that I planned to do.
“I mean, he’s too good, I guess. He played a few points well and he got out of it and that’s what he does. That’s what makes him great.”
Kyrgios insisted that he wasn’t hindered by his emotional response to the crowd — and his perception that umpire Carlos Bernardes wasn’t doing enough to control the disruptive spectators.
“It was an amazing atmosphere,” said Kyrgios. “I was focused. Just because I have an outburst doesn’t mean I’m not focused.”
Nadal, who hasn’t held back in his criticism of Kyrgios in the past, agreed.
“Nick is one of the most talented players on the tour without a doubt,” Nadal said. “When he’s playing with motivation and passion he’s one of the players that can damage your game and win against anyone.”
Latest
-
Tennis News
Elena Rybakina addresses Roger Federer trait she shares and makes confession about Miami run
“I think it’s just the character, but also if sometimes you can notice that I’m also negative.”
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz candidly admits how Grigor Dimitrov made him feel in Miami masterclass
“I was talking to my team saying that I don’t know what I have to do. I don’t know his weakness.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz forced to accept brutal reality as he slumps to shock Miami Open defeat
Carlos Alcaraz could have no complaints as he was forced to accept the brutal reality that he was beaten by a better player.
-
Tennis News
Alexander Zverev just happy to be back competing against the best
Alexander Zverev has said that he savours being competitive in big tournaments.
-
Tennis News
WTA star announces that she is expecting a baby girl
Alison Riske-Amritraj will be having a daughter.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner breaks new ground for an Italian player with $20 million milestone
Jannik Sinner will become the first Italian player to bank $20 million in ATP Tour prize money after the Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz identifies key Grigor Dimitrov threat as he seeks revenge in Miami showdown
Carlos Alcaraz and Grigor Dimitrov have looked ahead to their Miami Open match.
-
WTA Tour
Charleston Open hand former No 1 wildcard to start her clay season
Wildcards were forthcoming for former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki, world No 13 Beatriz Haddad Maia, and Charleston-native Shelby Rogers.
-
Tennis News
Former world No 1 weighs in on Iga Swiatek’s ‘aura’ as he makes ‘intimidating’ claim
“The more accomplishments Iga Swiatek has, the more intimidating it is to play her.”
-
WTA Tour
Naomi Osaka’s clay swing fills out with Rouen wildcard
Naomi Osaka gets Rouen wildcard to kickstart her clay swing.