Nick Kyrgios has upstaged Novak Djokovic for the second time in a fortnight to power into the ATP Masters tournament in Indian Wells quarter-finals for the first time.
Continuing his rich vein of form, Kyrgios defeated the three-time defending champion 6-4 7-6 (7-3) on Thursday (AEDT) to book a last-eight blockbuster with Roger Federer, who defeated Rafael Nadal.
Kyrgios struck 14 aces, 25 winners and didn’t face a single break point in repeating his victory over the 12-times grand slam champion in Mexico earlier this month.
Eyeing his third semi-final showing in as many tournaments, the Australian No.1 is yet to drop serve in three matches this week.
Djokovic had been riding a four-year, 20-match winning streak in the Californian desert and hailed his third-set display against Juan Martin del Potro in the previous round as his best tennis of the year.
But he had no answer to Kyrgios’s awesome firepower and sublime touch, the champion Serb obliterating his racquet after losing the first set and constantly berating himself as the match slipped away.
Kyrgios made a flying start, breaking Djokovic in the opening game of the match.
He was utterly untroubled on his own serve until Djokovic dug in to win the longest rally of the match, a 33-point slugfest, to have Kyrgios under pressure at 15-30 trying to close out the first set.
Kyrgios was more than up for the challenge, though, showing impressive foot speed and brilliant hands to mow down a Djokovic drop volley and whip a running crosscourt pass in front of the Serb.
The Australian followed up with his seventh ace to clinch the set and draw a code violation from his frustrated foe.
Djokovic upped the ante in the second set, but Kyrgios again had all the answers, breezing through the tiebreaker to advance in just one two hours.
Kyrgios beat Federer in their only previous meeting, in Madrid two years ago, and is 1-1 head-to-head with Nadal.
In other fourth-round matches, Pablo Cuevas upset 11th seed David Goffin 6-3 3-6 6-3, Pablo Carreno beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) and fourth seed Kei Nishikori cruised past Donald Young 6-2 6-4.
c
Guest
well done nick trust the haters are dealing with you're recent success
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I do too, Im not a big fan of watching tennis, but he is a Happy Gilmore version and Ill watch him. Talent and Passion. Sure his attitude isnt great half the time, but hes still great to watch.
clipper
Guest
Lleyton started winning very early on and didn't really lose his brat reputation for a few years after he had been at the top, especially for his never say die attitude and toned down attitude.
KingCowboy
Guest
Great call VH, this kid will come good with time. I personally like his passion!
Aaron
Guest
He had a tiny one against Djokovic as well. Nowhere near as bad as Djokovic himself though, who copped a code violation for his efforts after the first set.
Aaron
Guest
Kyrgios was awesome last night against Zverev, and never looked like losing. Tonight against Djokovic was very impressive tennis. His massive serve, his outrageous second serve, and his changeup and patience during the rallies was too much for The Joker, who couldn't keep his cool. Big test coming up against a rejuvenated Federer who is looking outstanding. That backhand is a weapon at the moment.
Nate
Guest
They are just waiting for another meltdown. He had a mini one against Zverev due to some consistently bad line calling but he overcame it just fine.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Wheres all the people giving him stick saying hes not that good now?
Nate
Guest
Missed this today although I did catch his match against Zverev and he played really well. Hope he can stay focused.
Arky
Guest
Hopefully he keeps letting the racquet do the talking like this. Lleyton Hewitt overcame a brat reputation through winning, and it's the only way Kyrgios will ever win over Australians himself.