The answer to the most intriguing question at Wimbledon 2014 is an emphatic yes.
The only negative is the three-day wait for Nick Kyrgios from Saturday night to Tuesday night knowing he was going to play the biggest match of his fledgling career against the world number one Rafael Nadal.
That’s 72 hours where mind games can sometimes play tricks.
But one thing we have learned about the 19-year-old Australian in his first three matches at the home of tennis is that he’s fearless.
There was no better example than coming from two sets to love down against the very talented Frenchman Richard Gasquet to post an incredible victory.
So where will Kyrgios beat Nadal?
First up the serve, where Kyrgios has let fly with more aces than anyone else in the three matches so far, topping the stats with 76 compared to Nadal’s 26.
And that’s where Nadal will lose his cool, and pull out all his tricks to frustrate Kyrgios and slow down the play.
Nadal is adept at breaking the written law of 20 seconds between points, serving or receiving.
So far at Wimbledon Nadal has been consistently over the 30 seconds mark and as high as 35, but only been warned twice by the central umpire.
Kyrgios is a quick tempo player, and if Nadal keeps getting away with flouting the time-limit rule, the 19-year-old Australian could well get frayed around the edges.
The best way to overcome that possibility is to blast the Spaniard off the court with his first serve.
Serving has always been the dominant feature deciding any outcome – serve well, play well.
The other telling stats for Kyrgios and Nadal thus far vary.
Kyrgios has converted 13 of 32 break points for 41% – Nadal 16 of 40 for 40% – neither stat is too flash..
But Kyrgios has pounded 208 winners to Nadal’s 123, again where power can dictate.
But Kyrgios has made 104 unforced errors having a crack, Nadak just 48.
Those stats sum up where the Australian teenager can really trouble the Spaniard.
Rookies rarely make the ultimate mark at Wimbedon.
Boris Becker did as a 17-year-old winning the first of his three Wimbledons on debut in 1985.
He also became the first unseeded player, and the first German to succeed, and he achieved his success with a massive serve, and an outstanding volley.
And that’s Nick Kyrgios to a tee. But first steps first, beat Rafael Nadal.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
It's always funny ready comments on things like this after the event with people saying there is no way he could do it. Fabulous performance. Now can he back it up against Milos Raonic. Completely different proposition. Two big servers, it could well be down to lots of tie break sets and/or a question of who cracks first and just lets a poor service game out. It's one of those things where you think that if he can beat Rafa he should be Milos, but it doesn't always work like that when they are such completely different players. I certainly hope he can though. He certainly has all the weapons in his arsenal to be able to give it a good shot against anyone he plays.
JimmyB
Guest
Fair play to the lad. I suppose by the law of averages, Mr Lord had to be right sometime. :)
Anthony
Guest
George and Winston probably feel really stupid right now..
Moreton Bait
Roar Pro
Yup, seems Kyrgios had it in the bag. Well done, young fella!!
krysy
Guest
YES, HE CAN !!!!!!!!!!!
JimmyB
Guest
Is it even worth Nadal turning up David? Sounds like Kyrgios has got it in the bag already.
clipper
Guest
No chance - Nadal is another step up from Gasquet. Hope he's competitive. He's moved into the top 100 due to getting to the fourth round.
JGK
Roar Guru
He'll have a crack but won't win a set.
George
Guest
He's done magnificently to win his first 3 games at Wimbledon at the senior level. He's a massive talent, but surely he can't beat Rafa. No matter how he goes, good on him. I hope he's learnt some life lessons from Scud and Tomic in that massive talent isn't everything.
matt h
Guest
No he almost certainly can't beat Nadal, but it would be great wouldn't it. I would see this match mnore like the Hewitt / Nadal match when Nadal was just starting out. He gave Hewitt a massive fright and showed he was destined for the top. Let's hope Kyrgios can do the same
ak
Roar Guru
Yes. Its grass. He has a good serve. Nadal is not invincible on grass. Though I do want Nadal to win for one reason. A showdown with Federer.
Winston
Guest
i respect you for your optimism but not a chance.
Winston
Guest
i respect you for your optimism but not a chance.