Kyrgios pushes past wildcard Wolf to reach first U.S. Open fourth round

Australian Nick Kyrgios reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the first time on Friday, notching a routine win over American wildcard J.J. Wolf 6-4, 6-2, 6-3.

Published : Sep 03, 2022 10:17 IST

Nick Kyrgios in action.
Nick Kyrgios in action. | Photo Credit: AP
infoIcon

Nick Kyrgios in action. | Photo Credit: AP

Australian Nick Kyrgios reached the fourth round of the U.S. Open for the first time on Friday, notching a routine win over American wildcard J.J. Wolf 6-4 6-2 6-3 to set up a blockbuster Sunday showdown against reigning champion Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev also saved precious energy in a straight-sets win in the night’s final contest against China’s Wu Yibing at the Arthur Ashe Stadium shortly after Serena Williams lost on the same court.

Kyrgios defeated the Russian the last time they met, less than a month ago in Montreal, and their meeting was marked as one of the highlight probable matches at the hardcourt Grand Slam since the draws were announced.

“I want to be playing on the biggest stadiums in the world in front of millions of people broadcasted globally,” the temperamental Australian said.

“That’s where I want to be. That is why I work hard. It makes it even sweeter. I know a lot of people don’t want me to succeed. I know a lot of people hate my game, the way I do things, they way I go about it.”

Kyrgios harnessed his mighty serve to clinch his third round match in an efficient hour and 56 minutes, whacking 21 aces at his opponent and sending over 35 winners, as he wrested the momentum early with a break in the fifth game of the first set.

There were few fireworks as Kyrgios defended all seven breaks he faced inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, where he earned a $7,500 fine for “spitting and audible obscenities” during his second-round meeting with France’s Benjamin Bonzi.

With the sporting world’s eyes laser-focussed on neighbouring showcourt, as Williams fell to Ajla Tomljanovic in dramatic fashion in what is widely expected to be her final tournament, Kyrgios’ lopsided win prompted little fanfare.

But it nonetheless marked the latest in a stellar run for Kyrgios, who is playing the best tennis of his career after winning in Washington, D.C., and reaching his first Grand Slam final at the All England Club.

Kyrgios said he knew exactly the way he was going to play against Medvedev.

“There’s no shame in losing to a player like that. But the way I’m playing, the game plan and the success I had against him obviously in Montreal, I definitely feel like I have a fighting chance,” Kyrgios said.

“Not many players can say that right now, going in to play Medvedev at the U.S. Open.

“We’ve got major respect for each other. I’ve got major respect for his coach as well. He’s a great guy. Been really nice to me. Look, I think it’s going to be a fun battle.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment