French Open: Nick Kyrgios Upsets Radek Stepanek in First Round

Australian junior Nick Kyrgios defeated veteran Radek Stepanek 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (10-8), 7-6 (13-11) in the first round at the French Open.

34-year-old Stepanek is ranked 52^nd and 18-year-old Kyrgios is only ranked 262^nd. He was only going to enter the junior Grand Slam, but replaced injured John Millman and became the youngest player in the draw.

According to Australia’s Herald Sun, many people left the other courts when they heard Kyrgios was beating Stepanek. The paid were playing in Court 17, which is in the far corner from the main courts.

At first Kyrgios was showing his nerves, but came back after being down 15-40 to win his first service. No matter how many times Stepanek appeared to gain advantage, Kyrgios would not stop fighting. He came back from a 3-1 deficit in the first tie break and 6-1 in the second tie break. He won in the third tie break on his fourth match point when Stepanek netted a backhand.

He is the first Australian player through and will face #10 Marin Cilic. 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.