Nick Kyrgios’ Wimbledon prospects skyrocketed after the enigmatic talent overcame an injury scare and an all-too-famous running battle with officials to get Stefanos Tsitsipas up in a turbulent, drama-laden third-round encounter.
Kyrgios demanded that Tsitsipas fail because he recklessly hit a ball on the stand, and just missed a female spectator, before he himself removed the world number 5 with a rough 6-7 (2- 7) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (9- 7) victory Saturday.
The Australian hothead threatened with a sit-in after the Greek only received a code breach for returning a ball in frustration to the pitch after losing the second set at Court One.
“You can not hit a ball in a crowd and hit someone and not fail,” Kyrgios yelled at referee Damien Dumusois over and over again, pointing out to the Frenchman that Novak Djokovic from the 2020 US Open was kicked because he hit. a linebacker with a ball.
“I would like to talk to a supervisor. I will not play until I talk to a supervisor,” Kyrgios demanded.
“Bring out more supervisors. I’m not done. Bring them all out.”
Andreas Egli, Grand Slam supervisor, had none of that.
However, it was not long before Wimbledon referee Gerry Armstrong and his assistant, Denise Parnell, watched anxiously from behind the court.
Netflix is in the process of producing a documentary featuring Kyrgios and Tsitsipas and the streaming service would have hovered over the content that dished out two of tennis’ most polarizing figures.
Kyrgios ‘breather after Tsitsipas’ recklessness was merely part of the theater.
Kyrgios also called the chair referee a disgrace and received a code violation after being reported for swearing by a line judge.
Tsitsipas, who had Australia’s former finalist Mark Philippoussis in his box, complained to Dumusois that “this is not tennis” and beat a penalty for deliberately pushing a return of a Kyrgios forearm discount on the scoreboard .
Kyrgios also left his fans’ hearts-in-mouth after falling uncomfortably in the opening set of the fourth set and staying off for seemingly an age while holding his right hip.
But he finally got up to laugh the last time and recovered from a setback to defeat Tsitsipas for the fourth time in as many tour outings and advance to the final 16.
“I felt like the favorite coming in. I played a few weeks ago, but I knew it was going to be a tough game,” Kyrgios said.
“He’s a hell of a player and it’s been a hell of a game. I’m just very happy to be through.
“He got frustrated at times – it’s a frustrating sport. You all think you can play, but it’s very frustrating.
“I have utmost respect for him. Whatever happens to the sport, I love him and I am close to his brother so …”
Kyrgios did not drop service all night, saving all five break points he encountered, and smashing 14 aces in another fierce service display that would keep his opponents informed.
A quarterfinalist who made his debut as a teenager in 2014, the 27-year-old will face unseeded American Brandon Nakashima on Monday for another spot in the final eight.
If he wins, Kyrgios could face Alex de Minaur in an all-Australian quarter-final – possibly for the right to tackle Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
Four Australians advanced to the second week of Wimbledon for the first time this century.
Inspired qualifier Jason Kubler and women flag bearer Ajla Tomljanovic have also joined in the last 16.
Not since 1999, when Pat Rafter, Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Arthurs and Jelena Dokic all made the fourth round, has Australia had so many direct chances to enter the business week of the championships.