Nineteen year old wildcard Nick Kyrgios, who was playing the Challenger circuit in Florida and Georgia this spring, has shocked the tennis world by destroying Rafa Nadal in four scintillating sets at Wimbledon. With a huge forehand, killer serve, and nerves of steel, young Kyrgios performed a masterclass at Wimbledon like we haven’t seen in decades.
The last time a young marvel flashed his brilliance on the big court at Wimbledon was way back in the 90s when Boris Becker won the title as a seventeen year old.
Federer, Sampras, Nadal, or Hewitt did not have this kind of Wimbledon debut that Kyrgios has had. Kyrgios is playing in his first main draw Wimbledon event. In this day and age when it’s so hard for the young guns like Dimitrov, Nishikori, Tomic, Harrison, Sock and Raonic, to establish themselves, Kyrgios has leapfrogged them all with this win over Nadal.
John McEnroe and Pat Cash were so impressed by Kyrgios KOing Nadal and saving nine match points against Gasquet, that they actually believe he can win the tournament now.
And though there are a lot of reasons why he probably can’t, one would be a fool to bet against this Australian wonderkind who must be feeling unbeatable right now.
Next up for Kyrgios will be Milos Raonic who handled him a straight sets defeat at the French Open.
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CS3 · July 2, 2014 at 9:35 am
Rafa is clearly most vulnerable these days on grass & against players who can simply overpower him & take the racket out of his hand… A booming serve can carry a player on grass unlike any other surface & leave even the world’s top players in a state of helplessness… Didn’t get to see the match (A GOOD THING) but I have heard rave reviews about Kyrgios… Credit where it’s due to the young Aussie for his career defining victory SO FAR & his official arrival onto Tennis’s Big Time Stage… A new STAR & future Grand Slam Champ has likely been born… Along with Dimitrov, who has defending champ Andy Murray on the ropes currently, I think Kyrgios could likely be part of the next “Dynamic Duo” in Men’s Tennis… The Big Four, now Fantastic Five, in particular Rafa/Novak are still THE BEST IN THE WORLD but the gap has closed considerably & a new era is on the way SOONER than later… Yesterday was the birth of the first teenage sensation in Men’s Tennis since Rafa a decade ago… Part of evolution & part of sport… Congrats to Nick Kyrgios for his tremendous victory as it was HIS DAY… Not a bad thing for Tennis for new players & champions to emerge… Never has an era been so DOMINATED by a select few players… A shake up is needed at times just to keep people intrigued… Enjoy the conclusion of Wimbledon everyone, I will even as a somewhat disappointed “Nadalista”… I LOVE THE SPORT & I can’t be too disappointed when my player even in defeat competes like no other & gives his all… Far from the end & The Bull shall be back… Have a good day all! 🙂
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 9:56 am
Halep d. Lisicki 6-4 6-0. No respect for elders, no waiting in line.
Bouchard d. Kerber. Plays Halep for finals.
Thats what i like about these guys. No waiting their turn. There was this expectation if you toil enough absorb tough losses and learn from it you ultimately get there. Not so for Bouchard and Halep. It is play hard and win now. Urgency.
Dimitrov now two sets to zero on Murray. Dont think Murray can face tabloids if he doesnt come back strong
Kyrgios should take note.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 10:00 am
If Kyrgios believes he can do it he can. I think the Nadal loss has inspired everyone left in the draw though.
And look at the women. No serena and no sharapova and suddenly halep is absolutely demolishing lisicki. When non favorites see favorites beat they get even more confidant. Look at dimitrov.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 10:01 am
Scoop maybe the rosol/wawrinka effect remains intact even if nadal got rosol back. All these guys and ladies are playing with nothing to lose even in defeat.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 10:08 am
Nadal and Federer are realists. They say dont judge a player by a few matches – who can dispute them ? They know what it takes to win a major or over a dozen. They wont annoint a new star until that player proves themself again and again.
Dan Markowitz · July 2, 2014 at 10:18 am
How ’bout Dimitrov rolling Murray!!? I haven’t seen but a few points of this match, but it looks like we can have a new guard taking order here at this Wimbledon. Even Cilic has taken a set off Djoko.
This is the breakthrough tournament we’ve been looking for since Del Po surprised everyone and I guess Wawa. But now Dimitrov, Kygrios and Raonic are bidding for the big prize.
Mitch · July 2, 2014 at 10:20 am
In addition to the obvious disappointment and hangover Murray will face if he loses, he’ll also drop a ton of points and potentially drop out of the top 8.
Dan Markowitz · July 2, 2014 at 10:27 am
Never seen Murray play this poorly. The guy is playing like a hacker. At least he’s not cursing everyone out. I hate to say I was right, but I really think hiring Johnny Mac would’ve given Murray the competitive edge he needs. I see him going back to being passive Murray under Mauresmo while with a Lendl, Mac or even Becker, playing passively will give you a serious earful.
Johnny Mac only knew one way, and that was to play attacking tennis. But if you look at Murray’s game, the great hands, the great mind, the touch at the net, the ability to move quickly at net, these were all Johnny Mac’s calling cards.
Mac just said, “It doesn’t look like he has the ability (to come back) or the belief.” I think Mac would’ve upped these qualities in Murray. Mauresmo was a curious choice. When did we ever see a lot of fire from her? She wasn’t known as a great champion.
Mitch · July 2, 2014 at 10:51 am
We’re not there yet, but it’s conceivable that none of the big 4 will even make the semis!
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 11:13 am
Murray didn’t play badly he just ran into the wrong guy at the wrong time. Cilic also now in the winning position over Djokovic. Tom Michael and Gustar must be in mourning with Rafa going down to Kyrgios, hope they come back soon.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 11:14 am
This could be the semis.
Cilic.
Wawrinka
Dimitrov
Raonic or kyrgios.
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 11:29 am
Halep-Bouchard, Kvitova-Safarova on womens side…tennis is a changing…
CS3 · July 2, 2014 at 11:41 am
As a HUGE Rafa FAN, I come in & acknowledge both his usual TRIUMPHS & OCCASIONAL SETBACKS here on Tennis-Prose giving rightful credit to the opponent who earns their victory… Part of being a SPORTS FAN… This Wimbledon is confirming my repeated statement that the days of the Big 4 being lock to win every Major & significant tourney are nearing an end, if not over already… A new era is dawning!
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 11:46 am
We have a missing persons alert for Tom Michael and Gustarhymes who have disappeared since Rafa lost to Kyrgios.
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 11:48 am
It’s always nice to see a new champion crowned in tennis CS3, to see the first time winner feel the joy and celebration when they win the first major is always a thrill for fans too. I remember hearing that the press box at Wimbledon was full of tears when Federer won his first Wimbledon vs. Philippoussis.
Dan Markowitz · July 2, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Well there was a lot of hypothesizing here at ole Tennis-Prose.com, but the Big 4 was NOT shutout of the semis. In fact, two of them made it: Djoko and Fed, the two best players of the bunch I think we’d all agree. Right?
Murray played about as bad a match as a Big 4 can play. He played poorly in all facets of the game. Nadal had a big excuse for losing: oh, you know, when you play against a big hitter on grass, what can I do? I try my best, but it’s out of my hands.”
Oh please, you’re considered the GOAT by some delusional followers of the game. If you’re the GOAT, you’ve got weapons of your own to take down a very young player not even in the Top 100. For that reason alone, what’s Kyrgios ranked like 150, Nadal’s loss was worse than Murray’s.
But now we will have Djoko v Dimitrov and Fed v Raonic and Djoko even with all the Paul Simon slippin’ and slidin’, will prevail and win his second Wimbledon on his way to double-digit slams and his own possible GOAT-dom.
CS3 · July 2, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Federer & Djokovic clearly are the best of the Big 4 if you THROW OUT FACTS, HEAD TO HEAD GRAND SLAM HISTORY VERSUS RAFA & BUILT IN BIAS Dan… I’m not holding my breath for you to view things the way EVIDENCE SUGGESTS anytime soon but that’s your right… Just because Wimbledon is what “purists” like you consider to be actual tennis even though clay requires much more of an all around game as well as more physical/emotional endurance, it is what it is… Rafa when it’s all said & done still has 2 Wimbledons & has beaten the other ATHLETICALLY & MENTALLY WEAKER members of the Big 4 on their beloved favorite surface in Grand Slam Finals or semifinals which none of them can & likely ever will be able to say about him… I respect your views even if I strongly disagree!
CS3 · July 2, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Novak could win but I see him losing either next round or in the Final… Another Grand Slam FAILURE will end any chance of him reaching double digits in Slams, which already is looking iffy at best… His prospects moving forward in the BIGGEST MATCHES are at stake in the next 2 rounds IMO… I strongly would favor Fed even at age 33 over Novak on grass… Fed is feeling it right now & was THE MOST RELIEVED & ECSTATIC GUY ON THE PLANET yesterday when Kyrgios eliminated Rafa… Grass or not, Fed doesn’t want to see a MENACING, CHARGING BULL across the net from him… Memories of tears of sorrow being shed still fill his head… Could end up with a Fed vs Baby Fed Wimbledon Final… We shall see… Always interesting, spirited debate on here… No offense intended… Take Care fellas, including Dan the Man aka #1 ANTI-RAFA FAN! Lol JK 🙂
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 3:57 pm
Raonic took care of business. Thats why nadal said who knows with kyrgios. Nadal knew a back to back at this stafe would be hard.
Jack · July 2, 2014 at 4:18 pm
The slow deterioration of the big 4 (except maybe Djokovic), and some fearless youngsters coming up, means we will see some different finals.
YAY !
Mitch · July 2, 2014 at 4:18 pm
Raonic is going to be a handful and I give him as good a shot as Dimitrov of winning the title.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 4:54 pm
Djokovic vs. Dimitrov. Gotta go with Novak.
Federer vs Raonic. Chips on Federer.
Bouchard vs. Halep. Halep.
Kvitova vs. Safarova. Lucy.
Andrew Miller · July 2, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Federer wasnt only relieved. You could hear the relief from everyone. Raonic was relieved! Djokovic! Dimitrov! Probably Murray too.
CS3 · July 2, 2014 at 6:10 pm
Djoker’s game may not be on a slow decline yet but he is starting to sustain some recurring arm injuries… The biggest thing with Novak is his mental state because I don’t think he can take very many more BIG DISAPPOINTMENTS on the Grand Slam stage… Another Final loss & failed attempt at winning another Grand Slam could have long lasting personal/career affects & effects… A tailspin is inevitable if a player or team keeps coming up short in the biggest matches or games… Just the nature of sports!
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 6:50 pm
Can’t down Kyrgios for this performance today, he had to be somewhat deflated after all the tennis he’s played this week and a half, and coming off the best win of his life a day earlier. I am surprised Kyrgios played as well as he did today. Raonic was the wrong guy for him to play today, Raonic has suffered and waited his time and there was no way he was going to blow it today, to get to his first major SF. I think Kyrgios might have had better chance if he played Murray. Tough draw for Nick today, playing the amped up Raonic who beat him in Paris. I was really impressed by Nick, even in defeat he shined and showed greatness.
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Mitch I feel the same way though Raonic has struggled with Roger. He played Roger tough the first couple of times then Roger dominated him. Grass should be different though. Tricky matchup for Roger now. Gonna be an interesting match. Edberg and Ljubicic will have their gameplans, I have to favor Fedbergerer.
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 6:57 pm
Missing persons alert for Tom Michael and Gustarhymes is still in effect. There is now a reward of a signed Facing Hewitt book for anyone with information on their whereabouts 🙂
Harold · July 2, 2014 at 7:16 pm
Gusta and TM are looking at video of Djoker changing his shoes and then turning it around on Cilic.
ESPN showed him changing his shoes on Sportcenter, thought it was a weird highlight, but maybe they are on to the ” ShoeConspiracy”
Scoop Malinowski · July 2, 2014 at 7:58 pm
Harold, they may indeed be examining the video tapes and photo evidences, and are trying to discredit Djokovic. But ESPN showed a slo mo replay montage and part of it was a close up of Djokovic’s shoe. I froze it on the shoe and there clearly were no dimples on the sides, strictly on the bottom of the flat sole. Djokovic sure did slip and fall a lot today.
Russeljones · July 3, 2014 at 10:06 am
I think the odds are really stacked against Milos. Roger will mix it up and slice him to oblivion. Raonic’s best hopes lie with an off-day for the Federer serve. Slim chance.
Djokovic will have breathed a big sigh of the proverbial relief, after young Nick ousted his chief Slam-blocker. I hope he underestimates Dimitrov’s grass form and the latter wins in 3. Nobody wants to get involved in a war of attrition with Djokovic.
Regardless of the Balkans decider, Roger is a firm favourite for the Wimbledon crown, in my view. A record 9th Wimbledon final is the best possible stage for his final ‘big one’.
Scoop Malinowski · July 3, 2014 at 11:38 am
How intriguing would the Federer – Dimitrov final be? The passing of the torch? Either way, whatever happens in the semis, we’re going to see a grand final.
Andrew Miller · July 3, 2014 at 6:14 pm
Look at Bouchard go! Beats Halep. Now up: Kvitova, who took out Lucy Safarova (no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I am rooting for Bouchard.
Scoop Malinowski · July 3, 2014 at 7:38 pm
Bouchard is ready to make history. One major obstacle is standing in her way though, the mighty lefty pterodactyl like Kvitova with her swooping forehands and serves. I think Bouchard will do it.
Andrew Miller · July 3, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Cahill said Bouchard takes the ball the earliest he’s seen since Seles (who he called the better hitter) and said he thinks she can get even better. I think Cahill missed the Williams and Henin here in terms of players who hit on the rise. But he’s right – Bouchard takes the ball WAY early in the court.
I think she’ll do it. Kvitova is plenty good but she’ll be under pressure the whole time. welcome to the big leagues Bouchard. I think Kyrgios would have too with a day of rest.