Nick Kyrgios chalked up the biggest win of his fledgling career when he came from two sets down and saved nine match points to beat the very talented Frenchman Richard Gasquet 3-6 6-7 6-4 7-5 10-8 in a tick under four hours of gripping tennis in the second round at Wimbledon.
Next up for Kyrgios a third round clash with Czech wildcard Jiri Vesely, who had a meritorious win over another Frenchman Gael Monfils.
A win there will probably set up a tilt at world number one Rafael Nadal.
But last night, Kyrgios was the biggest of underdogs.
The 19-year-old, born in Canberra and residing in Melbourne, only turned pro last year, while Gasquet is 28 and has been a pro since 2002.
Kyrgios has earned $235,084 and is ranked 144 in the world. By comparison, Gasquet has made $8.6m and is ranked 14 – daylight.
But it was Krygios’ ability to overcome the far more experienced Gasquet that set up his stunning victory.
In the washup, Gasquet won 200 points, Kyrgios 196, one of the rare times the loser has scored more points than the winner.
Gasquet pounded down 29 aces to 21, with both delivering countless unplayable serves, while Gasquet forced Kyrgios into 44 errors while making only 24 himself.
The Australian struck 86 winners to 75, mainly through a forehand that had explosive power up against Gasquet’s backhand, which is a weapon of pure power, precision, and placement.
It would be hard to argue against Gasquet’s one-handed backhand as the best on tour, including Roger Federer.
On those facts and stats alone, Kyrgios’ win was all the more remarkable.
The packed No 2 court was treated to many long rallies of superb strokeplay with both players showing how quickly that could cover the court and retrieve with interest.
It was the equal of the Novak Djokovic-Radek Stepanek four-set epic as the best clash of the first four days.
Coincidentally, Kyrgios’ previous career highlight was a 76 76 76 win over Stepanek, then ranked 53 in the world, in the first round at the French Open last year.
Kyrgios was the reigning Australian junior champion at the time, and the French Open was his Slam debut.
Last night he proved he’s the best of the new breed of Australians that includes Marinko Matosevic, Luke Saville, and James Duckworth, while there is still hope Bernard Tomic will eventually realise his potential if he ever becomes responsible.
He showed signs against Tomas Berdych, winning the first set 64, before losing the next two in tie-breakers. But, bowing out 61 in the fourth was vintage Tomic after such a whole-hearted first three sets.
Matosevic is another prima-donna, he knows where the television cameras are, and enjoys playing the showman. Had he concentrated more on court, he would have beaten Jeremy Chardy, he had the Frenchman in the palm of his hand only to lose in five sets.
Tonight, Lleyton Hewitt resumes his battle with Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz, trailling 75 44 after rain interrupted play last night.
Hewitt has his hands full with the 15th seed who uses his towering 203cm frame to great effect with plenty of power in his serves and ground strokes off both wings.
It’s a David and Goliath battle, but we all know Hewitt will be in there giving his all.
ends
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