Top seed Daniil Medvedev has paid tribute to Nick Kyrgios’ latest performance after the Australian knocked him out of the US Open on Sunday evening.
Medvedev, who was seeking to become the first man since 2008 to defend a title in Flushing Meadows, was edged out of his third round encounter 7-6 (11), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The world No.1 had three set points to clinch the opener but failed to do so and was unable to tame Kyrgios during the second half of the match.
It is the second time within a month Medvedev has lost to the world No.25 on the Tour. Although Kyrgios’ current ranking is deceiving after he was unable to receive any points for his run to the Wimbledon final. Speaking to reporters after, the Russian says the form of his opponent is at the same level as the heavyweights of the game.
“Nick today played kind of at the level of Novak and Rafa,’ he said.
“He has a little bit different game because he’s not a grinder. At the same time he can rally. He’s tough to play. He has an amazing serve.
“But from baseline it’s not like when the point starts, you know that you have the advantage. He plays good. He has every shot.
“If he plays like this until the end of the tournament, he has all the chances to win it.”
The triumph continues what has been a stellar summer for Kyrgios who has won 14 out of his last 16 matches played. Last month he won his first Tour title in three years at the Citi Open in Washington.
Now seeking his maiden major title at the New York major, the 27-year-old is drawing on motivation from those around him, as well as his critics.
“I just feel like I’m playing for a lot more than myself. I’ve just got a lot of people, a lot of support, and on the flip side I got a lot of people doubting me and trying to bring me down all the time as well,” said Kyrgios.
“I’ve got a lot of motivation in the back of my mind. I’ve been away from home now for four months. My whole team has. We don’t get to see our family like other tennis players do the majority of the time. I’m trying to make it worthwhile, trying to make it a memorable ride for all of us. Hopefully, we can get it done, go back home and really celebrate.”
Medvedev’s loss means that he will lose his position as world No.1 when the US Open ends. He has held the top spot since June 13th and was also at the top of the standings for three weeks earlier in the season.
“It was not the first thing on my mind after the match, saying, ‘Damn, I will not be the world No. 1 anymore.’ I don’t know which place I will be. Probably 3, 4. I’m guessing Carlos (Alcaraz) will pass me. But that’s motivation, try to do better,” A candidly-speaking Medvedev commented.
Three players can claim Medvedev’s world No.1 spot. Rafael Nadal is in the strongest position to do so but both Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud can rise to the top if they win their first Grand Slam title.
As for Kyrgios, he will play his first-ever US Open fourth round match against Karen Khachanov on Tuesday. Khachanov defeated two-time semi-finalist Pablo Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.
