Take a deep breath with the Australian fans and Nick Kyrgios. The Australian has given the all-clear after knee problems and feels fit for the Australian Open in his home country.
Nick Kyrgios did not appear so fresh in the game against his countryman Matthew Ebden. However, the Australian still managed to outlast his second round match with 6:7 (3), 7:6 (5) and 6:2.
The 22-year-old came to the court with his left knee bandaged on the left and had to be treated during the match. However, Kyrgios gave an all-clear for the upcoming home Grand Slam tournament:”Of course I will be fit and I can play. I have had the knee treated in the past few days even though I didn’t really know what it was. Apparently, some fluid had accumulated in the back of the knee.”
Even in the quarter-finals against Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov, Kyrgios did not seem to have everything in order. The bandage at the knee had disappeared, but once again the “enfant terrible”was lacking. The 22-year-old gave the first set 1:6. The 1.93-metre giant dragged itself over the course without any desire and without much fortune. Kyrgios once again fell into old patterns. Nevertheless, he could rely on his talent again and turned the match around with 6:3 and 6:4 in second and third set.
The kick-off tournaments in his home country would give the world’s No. 21 an extra boost of motivation, Kyrgios said after his opening game against Ebden, because it was “the best time of the year”. Unfortunately, this motivation was not visible at the beginning of the next round. However, the positive aspect of Kyrgios’ victory is that he seems to have no problems with the damaged left knee. So the Australian fans can breathe a sigh of relief and continue to rely on their protégé. Kyrgios’ general tenor over the chances of winning the title is quite positive. Some players and fellow countrymen trust the trick shot master to make the big coup in Melbourne.
The fact that Kyrgios did not have everything under control during the game against Ebden showed a curious scene. Kyrgios wanted to catch a net serve from the opponent and reached into the void. But the real highlight was that the ball hit the Australian right at the height of his stride and hit him there. The audience definitely had its fun and Kyrgios was visibly in pain.
In the semi-final on Saturday, there will be an eagerly awaited duel with defending champions Grigor Dimitrov. Ryan Harrison and surprise man Alex de Minaur will contest the first semi-final. The 18-year-old wildcard holder from Down under had held his own against former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic in the round of sixteen.
The single panel in Brisbane