Australian Teen Nick Kyrgios Shocks Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon

Australian Teen Nick Kyrgios Shocks Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon
Mary Chastain

LONDON–Nick Kyrgios, the Aussie teenager who has a booming serve,  knocked out world number one and second seed Rafael Nadal, 7-6(7), 5-7, 7-6(5), 5-3 in one of the most entertaining matches at Wimbledon.

Nadal knows what it feels like to knock out the world’s top tennis player as a teenager since he was the last person to do so when he ousted Roger Federer as a 19-year-old. 

Nadal, who is untouchable on clay, failed to make the Wimbledon quarters for the third straight year.

The Spaniard did not have a great first set, which is normal for him, but everyone expected him to come firing back like he usually does. One of the many problems for Nadal was Kyrgios’ serve. He had 36 aces, and Nadal only broke him once. He also won 82% of his first serve points and 54% of his second serve points.

Nadal did come back in the second set, but spectators could tell it was not going to be easy to tame Kyrgios. Ravenous Australia fans in the audience pushed him to beat one of the best players in the world and fiercely supported the 19-year-old. Krygios soaked it all in, celebrating every point. The look of joy was immense in his face and eyes. He was so happy to be there and cherished every single moment in the match.

The third set was all Kyrgios. Nadal attempted to come back, but by the end of the game he did not look like himself and accepted defeat. Kyrgios finally broke Nadal and got 93% of his first serves in without any double faults.

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