Mexican Open: Controversy erupts as Nick Kyrgios beats Rafa Nadal
The bad boy of tennis, Nick Kyrgios has hit back at Rafael Nadal after the legend lashed out at him following a defeat in the pre-quarterfinals of Mexican Open. Kyrgios, who was booed by the crowd, won the tie 3-6, 7-6, 7-6. The Aussie stated that Rafa should focus on himself and he isn't going to listen to him. Here's how the incident unfolded.
Kyrgios pulls of a stunner against Rafa
Kyrgios overcame a bout of nausea and a stiff back to save three match points on the way to beating top seed Nadal. Nadal managed to win only one of his 10 break points and surrendered the tie. Kyrgios fell to the floor in celebration and then stuck a finger behind his ear, asking the raucous crowd to cheer louder.
Nick's antics during the match against Rafa
During the match, Kyrgios asked the crowd to shut up and the outburst saw him get a warning from the umpire. Kyrgios also had a brain snap after attempting an underarm serve while serving to stay in the match during the third set.
'He lacks respect for the public, the opponent and himself'
The pair had clashed over a time wasting accusation during the encounter. In his post-match press conference, Nadal hit out at the Aussie. "He is a player who has huge talent, who could be winning Grand Slams or fighting for first position in the rankings," Nadal said. The Spaniard added, "He lacks respect for the public, the opponent and himself."
Kyrgios hits back at Nadal
Kyrgios fired back saying, "I'm different, Rafa's different, he can focus on what he needs to do. He doesn't know the journey I've been through, he doesn't know anything about me so I'm not going to listen at all. It's the way I play."
Kyrgios to take on Wawrinka in quarters
Kyrgios will face Swiss ace Stan Wawrinka in the next round. Wawrinka defeated American Steve Johnson 7-6 (7/5), 6-4. In the women's section, number one seed Sloane Stephens was stunned by Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia 3-6, 3-6. Former world number one Victoria Azarenka sailed into the quarter-finals after getting the better of Tatjana Maria 6-2, 6-1.
