Nick Kyrgios won the longest match of his career on Saturday night, defeating Russia’s Karen Khachanov at the Australian Open.
Kyrgios managed his emotions and leg soreness to tame 16th seed Khachanov 6-2 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (6-8) 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (10-8), to reach the Australian Open’s fourth round for the third time.
The five-set thriller lasted four hours and twenty-six minutes, and had everyone on the edge of their seats for the whole time.
This match was definitely unforgettable. "Man, it was crazy. I don’t even know what to say right now. That was insane. I’ve got no words for how I’m feeling right now,” Kyrgios stated after claiming victory.
“None of that wouldn’t have happened without my team, that’s for sure. They supported me the whole time. And you guys were unbelievable again. I was losing it mentally a bit … my support team, you guys, just willed me over the line. I thought I was gonna lose, honestly... It’s emotional. I haven’t had a moment like that for four, five years, since I last played here against (Andreas) Seppi. So that’s definitely one of the best wins of my career, I think. It was insane,” he added.
Now Kyrgios has the small task of Rafael Nadal.
The most anticipated match of the Australian Open for 2020, will play out on Rod Laver Arena on Monday.
“He (Nadal) has a winning record against me. Whatever happens between us, he’s an amazing player, he’s arguably the greatest of all time...I’m not even thinking about that right now — I’m just thinking about my legs, and getting in an ice bath and getting some food or something," he concluded.
*Images by Nick Bourdaniotis/Bourdo Photography (Copyright)
