If there was ever any doubt about Nick Kyrgios’ US Open hopes, there isn’t any now.
Following his three-set victory over world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios toppled fellow Australian Alex de Minaur in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).
His clinic in Canada, which sees him through to the quarter-finals, did not see the volatile Australian spinning at times on his stick.
As late as the penultimate match, Kyrgios was blasting his team for their “lack of support” when he was broken.
But he responded just as quickly, winning a late game in style to progress to the last 16.
“(Today was) incredibly tough,” he said.
“After yesterday’s great success, after playing with Daniil and the crowd was incredible, it’s a day I’ll probably never forget.
“It was really tough on me mentally today to go out and play Alex, we’re really good friends and he’s had such a good run so far and he’s been flying the Australian flag for so long, it was tough mentally to play a friend, especially if they are Australian.
“I just came out here and did the job. I played the way I was supposed to play. He’s a great player, if he plays to his strengths, he’s one of the best backcourt players and he’s very fast.”
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Nick Kyrgios reaches the quarterfinals. Photo: Getty Images Source: AFP
The win means more than meets the eye, as it sees him move back into the world’s top 30 in the ATP rankings and, crucially, a seed at the US Open, which starts on August 29.
With his victory in the round of 16, Kyrgios is now the new world number 27. A quarter-final win over Hubert Hurkacz will move him up to No. 21.
“It was a goal, more to not get one of the big titans or gods in the first round, I can really advance in the draw, if the draw is kind,” he said on the track.
“I always feel like my game is right there. I feel like no matter who I’m playing, I felt amazing today and let’s keep it going.”
Indeed, de Minaur appeared “surprised” when a “mature” Kyrgios ran riot in the first set, where the Wimbledon runner-up claimed the first four games.
De Minaur finally got on the scoreboard in the fifth game as she managed to hold serve for the first time in the match.
But with his fourth ace of the first set, Kyrgios raced to a 5-1 lead and soon after took the first set 6-2 in just 23 minutes.
“As flawless as the sets,” said one comment. “Pretty ridiculous level of Nick Kyrgios.”
Alex de Minaur lost in straight sets against Nick Kyrgios. Photo: Getty Images Source: AFP
After being on his best behavior during the first set, Kyrgios started to fire early in the second set.
His actions were described as “pure venting” when he lit his box on fire in the first games of the second set.
However, Kyrgios broke early in the second set and never looked back.