SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Kyrgios in Wimbledon clash with Murray

Nick Kyrgios believes he can conquer British title favourite Andy Murray and return to the Wimbledon quarter-finals for a second time.

tennis
Nick Kyrgios during his match against Feliciano Lopez on day seven of the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon. Source: AAP

3 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Relishing another big-stage shot at Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios believes he has the physical and mental stamina to take down the home hope in their fourth-round Wimbledon blockbuster.

The clear title favourite following Novak Djokovic's shock exit, Murray has enjoyed a saloon passage into the second week at the All England Club.

The relentless Scot has dropped just 25 games in nine sets and been largely unaffected by the big wet that has marred the 130th championships.

Kyrgios, in contrast, has survived a treacherous draw, including a five-set comeback win over Dustin Brown, several delays and controversies, and was forced to return on Sunday to complete a 6-3 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4 stop-start third-round win over three-time quarter-finalist Feliciano Lopez.

Monday will be the fourth day in a row Kyrgios has been forced to play.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

"It's obviously been tough," said the 15th seed.

"I feel coming here every day, being on schedule every day nearly, with the rain, it hasn't been easy for any player going into the locker room, preparing for matches, going back out.

"But physically, I feel good. Mentally, I feel good. I've been to the fourth round at grand slams before. I know what to expect. Yeah, it's Wimbledon."

Having played - and lost - to Murray, one of his best friends on tour, at all three other majors, Kyrgios also knows exactly what to expect from the world No.2, 2013 Wimbledon champion and 10-times grand slam finalist.

"The last time I played him was at the US Open (last year) in a major. Thought I made some inroads there. Finally won a set against him in a grand slam," Kyrgios said.

"I feel like I know what to do. But it's hard to actually go out there and execute against such a player like him obviously.

"Yeah, I mean, I've got a game plan. I lost to him at the US Open four sets, I played him in Hopman Cup, beat him there.

"I definitely feel like he's beatable. He's only human."

Kyrgios's losses to Murray at the majors have come on clay and hard courts.

London's hallowed centre court at Wimbledon brings a different dynamic to the match-up.

"This is probably my best surface, my best chance to beat him," Kyrgios said.

"At the same time I think he's pretty comfortable on the grass. He's won here before.

"I'm pretty much playing the ultimate player on grass at the moment.

"He's one of the best tennis players you can play right now. "But I definitely have the tools to do it."

HOW THE AUSSIES FARED AT WIMBLEDON (PREFIX DENOTES SEEDING)

Men's singles, third round

15-Nick Kyrgios bt 22-Feliciano Lopez (ESP) 6-3 7-6 (2-7) 6-3 6-4


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world