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
duecer
Guest
A question - saving 9 match points and still winning hasn't happened at Wimbledon since '66, but is the record for match points saved while you opponent hasn't saved any?
MichaelJ
Guest
I for one don't have any regard for Tomic. He has shown no humility or class at any stage.
Jayden
Guest
The big question will be how he handles being out of the top 100, will he play a few challengers and build ranking points heading forward? Or will he try and stay at the 250/500/1000 level through wildcards and qualifying? I think dropping down to challengers and building some confidence may be a better option for him, but I think he believes he's above that standard and may be to proud to do so. We'll have to wait and see.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I do agree. Tomic seems to be one of those players so many people love to hate and won't give him any chance. As you point out, he's just come back from an injury that required surgery - the same injury that had people saying he had no heard when he had to stop his match at the Aus Open - and is still feeling his way a bit. When you've needed surgery and missed months because of an injury, feeling a twinge there so soon after coming back would have to worry you and you'd be wary of pushing it too hard. But because it's Tomic he'll get bagged out for it. Taking the first set off Berdych and pushing him to tie-breaks in the next 2 is actually a very good effort, especially as he's still working his way back to some sort of match fitness.
Jayden
Guest
Oh god, the learn Mr Tomic is sickening. Berdych is the 6th best player in the world who Bernard was able to push to 4 sets and arguably should have been 2 sets up during the Second set. The nonsense detailing his 'giving up' and lack of work ethic is rubbish. He came back a month and a half early from major surgery to try and maintain some points in Miami, he gets slaughtered by Niemenen but instead of praising the drive to come back so early we mock him, had Hewitt or Kyrgios done the same thing such 'bravery' would have been applauded. If anyone watched the match, Tomic would have beaten Gasquet, he played great High Level tennis and burnt out, all that means is that he needs to improve his fitness. In saying that I watched the Kyrgios-Gasquet game and it was a great match as well, heart in mouth stuff. Hoping Nick gets over the line against Vesely fairly easy, so that he can recuperate before what is most likely to be a 4th round clash with Nadal, Vesely is very talented though, being a Junior Number One with an Australian Open singles title, exactly like Nick's Junior Career, it should be interesting to watch, and up and comers are always good to see. Breathes new life into the tournament.
JB
Guest
must be all those round abouts and suspect stores at Fyshwick
ak
Roar Guru
Well done. Gasquet is a big fish. Learn Mr Tomic.
Kaks
Roar Guru
Take note, Tomic.
JB
Guest
can't wait until this kid eclipses Tomics ranking perhaps the lack of limelight will result in a tomic attitude adjustment.
Chop
Roar Guru
Good day for the Canberrans Rob, Dante Exum became an instant multi milionaire after being drafted #5 by Utah this morning as well.
Existentialist
Guest
Well played and well done Nick! the mental fortitude shown in the last set is something 'Tryhard Tomic' should aspire too!
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
A big win for another Canberran! Hope he takes his chances.
clipper
Guest
Great effort - saving nine match points shows his mental strength. Gasquet has a disappointing GS record, only getting to two SF in his long career.