Flamboyant, electric, whimsical, but in control, Nick Kyrgios asserted himself as a serious candidate for the title at the US Open on Sunday, ejecting from the round of 16 the holder Daniil Medvedev, who also lost with this defeat his place of world number 1.
The 27-year-old Australian, who is entering the quarters of the New York Major for the first time, defeated the Russian (7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2), sending a message to the competition. His capital performance, on Arthur-Ashe oozing with dampness, was the dazzling confirmation of a real transformation observed in recent months, after two dark years weighed down by depression and suicidal thoughts.
“Really proud”
His tennis was inspired, hard-hitting and fine, without false note or fear or brake, like the high-flying tie-break, won with forceps, having erased three first set balls in the process. “I’m happy to finally be able to show in New York how well I can play,” said the finalist of the last Wimbledon after the match. I had a lot of fun, I enjoyed every moment. I’m really proud of that. »
The Australian obviously unpinned from time to time, with swung rackets, cries of frustration, and even a rather incredible moment of madness, when he rounded the net, at the start of the third set, to put a Medvedev setback yet out. “I thought I had the right. It’s going to be all over social media and I’m going to look like an idiot,” he laughed.
But he always knew how to pull himself together to get the win. “It was obviously an incredible experience to beat the world number 1 on the Arthur-Ashe”, he appreciated, while remaining lucid: “It’s only an 8th final. I didn’t celebrate too much, because I know if I play him nine more times, he’ll probably be above me most of the time. »
One of the favourites?
His opponent, he looked like a bad day at a press conference. “I’m trying to look good… I’m not going to cry in the press conference room… But I’m disappointed, he didn’t hide. For a few days, I’ll just be sad, staring at my phone, my computer, or series. »
This did not prevent him from paying tribute to the Australian’s level of play. “It was a high level match. I faced Novak (Djokovic), Rafa (Nadal), who are all playing very well. Nick today played a bit at that level, Medvedev said. If he continues like this until the end of the tournament, he has every chance of winning it. »