Nick Kyrgios reached the Wimbledon semi-finals, the first Grand Slam semifinal of his career on Wednesday after defeasting Cristian Garin in straight sets on Wimbledon's Court No1.
The Greek Australian triumphed 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7-5) before falling to the grass in celebration.
In his first Wimbledon quarterfinal since 2014 and against the man who came from two sets down to defeat his compatriot Alex de Minaur in the previous round, Kyrgios displayed a level of resilience not often seen in his professional career. It's making a difference in 2022, clearly, offering the 27-year-old a Grand Slam opportunity he believed might have passed him by.
"I thought my ship had sailed. I didn't go about things great earlier in my career," he said on court after his victory.
don't have a coach — I'd never put that burden on someone. But each and every one of my team plays an important role. No one knows my tennis like I do," he said.
"I felt I was playing on the back foot a lot — he's a hell of a player. I got lucky on a couple of break points. It could easily have been him standing here."
Kyrgios will face Rafael Nadal for a place in the final, but if he is fit enough to play.
Nadal played through the pain barrier to seal the phenomenal win, having to get treatment in a medical time-out for an abdominal injury.
The star even ignored pleas from his family to QUIT the four-hour 21-minute epic on Centre Court.
When asked if it was possible to recover in time for the semis, Nadal replied: “I don’t know. I’m going to have some more tests.
“It is difficult to know. I am used to have things and I am used to having pain and playing with problems.
Will Nick Kyrgios get a bye into the final?
If Rafael Nadal is forced out of Friday’s semi-final with injury, Nick Kyrgios will in receive a walkover to advance into the final.
