Yahoo News Nick Kyrgios vs Karen Khachanov, Australian Open 2020: third round live score and latest updates
Can Kyrgios beat Nadal?
Interested in your thoughts. The comment board below is open.
Kyrgios on Rafa, whom he meets next
He has a winning record against me. Whatever happens between us he's an amazing player. I'm not thinking about that right now. I'll give everything I have and hopefully that will be enough.
The longest match of Kyrgios's career
Man it was crazy. That was insane. I've got no words. None of that would have happened without my team; they supported me the whole time. My legs feel about 40 kilos each.
I was losing it mentally after losing the third and fourth, after having match points. I thought I was going to lose, but you guys helped me over the line.
Karel is an absolute warrior. He's going to do some special things for sure. This is just the beginning for him.
That's one of the best wins of my career.
Kyrgios wins 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9], 7-6[10-8]
Just the four hours and 27 minutes, there. Extraordinary tennis throughout. Never, never, never a dull moment. Khachanov is cheered off the court; Kyrgios marches through to meet Rafael Nadal in the fourth round. That'll be a blockbuster.
Kyrgios wins!
Khachanov goes long! Kyrgios falls to the floor at the back of the court!
Fifth set tie break: Kyrgios 9* Khachanov 8* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
What looks like a cagey rally ends with a spearheaded backhand winner down the line from Kyrgios. Unbelieveable shot under pressure. But he doesn't feel pressure like you and I do. And now a match point, on the Kyrgios serve at 9-8...
Fifth set tie break: Kyrgios 6 Khachanov 6* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
After 19 consecutive points on serve, Khachanov misses down the middle to give Kyrgios the first point of the tie break. Then a big serve and a sensational half volley from Kyrgios to go to 3-0. First to ten points, in a fifth-set championship tie-breaker, remember.
Khachanov gets two points back on his own serve for 3-2, then some superb defensive tennis earns him a mini-break and the advantage at 4-3.
Now a sensational whip-around forehand from Kyrgios, creating an angle from nowhere and Khachanov is on the floor trying to return it. Another drop attempt from Kyrgios but his opponent is onto it early. No matter: Kyrgios win the next two points with a searing ace and a searing backhand winner. 6-6 and we're only half way through this tie-break!
Fifth set: Kyrgios 6 Khachanov 6* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
A 32nd ace from Kyrgios, who is serving to stay in the tournament. A couple more big serves and he holds to love! We're going into a fifth-set tie break!
Want some mustard with that?
Fifth set: Kyrgios 5* Khachanov 6 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Now Khachanov holds to love with his own barrage of aces. Astonishing serving from both men at this stage. Although there's also a sense that neither man has the energy to really attempt to return some of these bombs.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 5 Khachanov 5* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios serving to stay in the match...and holds to love, all of a sudden. Don't tell me we're going to a fourth tie-break?!
Fifth set: Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 5 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
It's 40-0 to Khachanov, so what does Kyrgios do? Pull out a hot-dog lob, obviously. It lands in. Khachanov gets it back....and Kyrgios attempts a hot-dog passing shot from the baseline. That also lands in. Finally his luck runs out with a drop-shot into the net. What on earth goes through Kyrgios's mind? Whatever it is, I think I'm glad it doesn't go through mine.
Here's that bird poo moment
Fifth set: Kyrgios 4 Khachanov 4* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
First deuce game since the seventh game of the fourth set but Kyrgios survives. Just goes to prove how Kyrgios is having to work so much harder on his serve than his opponent.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 3* Khachanov 4 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
The match ticks into its fifth hour. Becoming more of a slug-fest with each passing game. Kyrgios has lost twice in five-set matches at the Australian Open having been 2-0 up. But he's also won a five-set match from two sets up...against Khachanov.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 3 Khachanov 3* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov holds to love, with two aces in the game. He's getting away with his service games much quicker than Kyrgios. Is that going to be the difference come the end of this game?
Fifth set: Kyrgios 3 Khachanov 3* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Ace number 28 from Kyrgios - only moments after one of those nonchalant almost no-look half-volleys. His skill levels are out of this world.
Here's that diving volley from earlier in the match
It's not quite Becker, but it'll do.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 2* Khachanov 3 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Reminder that Khachanov's last match was a five-setter, against Mikael Ymer. He'll be grateful for this easy hold. In fact, since the start of the fourth set, Khachanov has lost only 11 points on serve. He's really picked up his standard.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 2 Khachanov 2* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Brief hiatus here while Kyrgios takes a towel, wanders right up to Khachanov on the opposite baseline and helps him wipe up some bird droppings from the court! Why didn't the umpire, or one of the line judges, or a ball boy do that? Because Kyrgios, obviously.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 1* Khachanov 2 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
One of the great things about this match has been Khachanov's willingness to come to the net. He's not as silky up there as the Australian, but the fact that both men are unafraid to come forwards has leant the match a sense of wild unpredictability throughout.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 1 Khachanov 1* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Tough hold from Kyrgios. Got to feel that Rafael Nadal, who lies in wait for the winner of this match, will be absolutely delighted with the way things are progressing.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 0* Khachanov 1 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov has the momentum now. He received some more treatment on his shoulder during the break between sets but is still hammering down aces. He's only a few aces behind Kyrgios, in fact.
Fifth set: Kyrgios 0 Khachanov 0* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8], 6-7[7-9]) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios with the backhand winner, down the line from deep behind the baseline! Brilliant. Then a huge first serve to ward off a set point. 6-6 in the breaker.
Now match point Kyrgios on the Khachanov serve...but Khachanov holds it together and a timely ace gives him set point on the Kyrgios serve...Kyrgios goes wide with the second serve, get dragged into a backhand rally and cracks! Khachanov levels the match after 3hr 31min!
Fourth set: Kyrgios 6* Khachanov 6 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Russia's No 3 holds to 30 and we're going to a third successive tie-break.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 6 Khachanov 5* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios opens the 11th game of the set with his 24th ace, then throws in a huge unforced error when he tries a jumping volley that flies nastily wide. Now another sensational rally - lobs, drop shots and loads of gesticulation - and this set looks destined for a tie-break too.
The most entertaining tennis is all Kyrgios, but Khachanov is putting together some superb stuff of his own - basically unnoticed by the crowd and the rest of the public becuase you just can't take your eyes off Kyrgios.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 5* Khachanov 5 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov serving to stay in the Australian Open....and holds, exceptionally, to love. Kyrgios threw everything at him and he got it all back. Brilliant from the Russian.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 5 Khachanov 4* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Best rally of the match - can't possibly describe it all - ends with a diving volley into an open court from Kyrgios. Crowd on their feet. But then absolute madness from the Australian as he runs onto a volley and - for absolutely no reason - attempts a hot dog which goes wildly, wildly wrong.
And even more drama as the chair umpire gives Kyrgios a time violation for calling for his towel, only for Kyrgios to point out, aggressively, that he's bleeding from his hand after his dive onto the court early game. Then three aces from Kyrgios! After the first of those aces, he screams incoherently direcly at the umpire. After the second, he screams incoherently at the crowd. After the third, he shouts "f---!" rather too coherently. Never a dull moment.
Now Kyrgios is receiving treatment on his hand, all the while rowing with the umpire.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 4 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Gone 10pm in Melbourne now and the crowd on the show court are definitely getting louder.
The resemblence between Khachanov and Liam Hemsworth, the Australian actor, is quite something.
Watching @AustralianOpen Kyrgios vs Khachanov with my 91 year old granny and she’s convinced Khachanov is Liam Hemsworth �� #9WWOS#AusOpenpic.twitter.com/9pZujrTxGJ
— kimmmy (@AkimeYalo92) January 25, 2020
Fourth set: Kyrgios 4 Khachanov 3* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Facing up to a couple of break points (becuase of an overambitious drop shot from the baseline), Kyrgios decides that now is the time for a row with the chair umpire....then returns his attention to the court and slams home an ace and moments later holds serve under huge pressure. He's all men in one mind.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 3* Khachanov 3 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Funny reading Twitter during a Kyrgios game. Pretty much exactly half and half lovers and loathers. Guy has got to be good for tennis, right?
Fourth set: Kyrgios 3 Khachanov 2* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios's hands are OBSCENE. Made of feathers. Feathers and cotton wool. And kittens' tails. There are two drop volleys in this game that, frankly, should be illegal.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 2* Khachanov 2 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
No obvious discomfort from Khachanov, but his forehand grip is so aggressive that he's bound to have problems with that shoulder. He puts a giant amount of torque on every shot.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 2 Khachanov 1* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Little bit of treatment on Khachanov's right shoulder at the change of ends here. No medical time out though.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 1* Khachanov 1 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6[7-5], 6-7[6-8]) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov holds. Meanwhile, in the other Russia v Australia match going on right now, Daniil Medvedev leads Alexei Popyrin by a set to love.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 1 Khachanov 0* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5), 6-7(6-8)) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios holds to 15. It's 84 per cent first serve points won from the home favourite. Actually, favourite might be stretching it. Although he's definitely the favourite among the crowd.
Cracking tennis, this.
Pretty pleased that we get at least one more set to enjoy. Remember: Rafael Nadal lies in wait for the winner of this match.
Fourth set: Kyrgios 0* Khachanov 0 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5), 6-7(6-8)) *denotes next to serve
Some extraordinary flat hitting from Kyrgios in the first part of this tie-break. He takes the ball so, so early. It's 3-3 at the change of ends. Melbourne Arena loving it.
Kyrgios takes a tumble at the back of the court and Khachanov leads 5-3, with one serve left. Oooo! He misses a groundstroke very long. 5-4 and Kyrgios with the serves. He comes to the net and makes it 5-5 with a stop volley. Now 6-5 as Khachanov can't throw up a lob long enough from the back of the court. Match point Kyrgios...
...Snuffed out by The No 16 seed with a first serve. We're at 6-6, now 6-7 and the first set points for the Russian. Kyrgios unforced error and Khachanov wins the third set tie-break.
Third set: Kyrgios 6* Khachanov 6 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Backhand return winner from the 6ft 6in Russian! Kyrgios gets his own back with a drop shot that the Russian, try as he might, cannot reach to collect. But now Kyrgios is picking a fight with the chair umpire and, while distracted, shaking a forehand unforced error.
Then probably the best shot of the match when Kyrgios stoops to volley a thunderous backhand return from Khachanov, spearing the ball into the open court on the run. Simply sublime. "Shut the f--- up!" he screams at nobody in particular. Wins the game, take the set into a tie-break.
Third set: Kyrgios 5* Khachanov 6 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov holds and Kyrgios - clown shorts and all - will serve to stay in the third set.
Third set: Kyrgios 5 Khachanov 5* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
From 40-0 up, Kyrgios is pulled back to 40-30....but wins on an overhead. Looks like this set is going to a second tie-breaker.
Third set: Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 5 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Two deuces in this Khachanov service game, but he wins it with an ace down the centre. No idea where this set is going next. If Kyrgios is suffering slightly with a strain in his buttock he'll not want this to go into a fourth set.
Third set: Kyrgios 4 Khachanov 4* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Two sensational slice volleys from Kyrios at the start of this game - cheered by the obviously partisan crowd. But Khachanov takes the next three points - with no-frills tennis - to set up two break points! First time Kyrgios has been troubled on his serve and it's coming at the worst time! Yep - Khachanov breaks back as Kyrgios attempts a quite frankly ridiculous sliced dropshot from shoulder height at the back of the court.
Third set: Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 3 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Drop-shot hotdog from Kyrgios. Yes, really. Not a very good drop-shot sadly, but he obviously views this game as one which he can afford to throw away. Indeed he does as he tries to return a first serve from midway between the service line and the baseline. Nutter.
Third set: Kyrgios 4 Khachanov 2* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Now a code violation for Kyrgios, after hitting the ball into the stands. Has he done that in solidarity with his opponent? Weird. Anyway, it makes little difference as he wins his service game to confirm the break.
Underrated part of Kyrgios’ game is how well he rallies. Very consistent, can spar with anyone from the baseline and is becoming more patient in constructing points when the flashy play isn’t on #AusOpen
— Tim Elbra (@hdelbs) January 25, 2020
Third set: Kyrgios 3* Khachanov 2 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Three break points for Kyrgios as Khachanov starts to lose the plot and swats the ball into the crowd - an action for which he receives an official warning from the chair umpire. Wins the next two points though. One more break point left for Kyrgios and a really, really ugly double fault hands him the game. Kyrgios breaks! The Russian's first serve was literally a yard and a half wide and the second was low into the net.
Third set: Kyrgios 2 Khachanov 2* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
It's all mind games, of course (and those mind games are with himself as much as anybody else) but Kyrgios is spending a lot of time congratulating Khachanov on his best shots. Approaching 9pm in Melbourne now.
Third set: Kyrgios 1* Khachanov 2 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
As Khachanov holds, here's what Rafael Nadal said about the prospect of playing Kyrgios in the round of 16. He was asked whether he liked Nick Kyrgios.
"I don't know. I don't know him personally, honestly, to have a clear opinion," Nadal said. "It's clear, of course, that when he does stuff that in my opinion is not good, I don't like.
"When he plays good tennis and he shows passion for this game, he is a positive player for our tour, and I want my tour bigger, not smaller.
"So the players who make the tour bigger are important for the tour. When he's ready to play his best tennis and play with passion, is one of these guys. When he's doing the other stuff, of course I don't like."
Third set: Kyrgios 1 Khachanov 1* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios holds. Here's a video of that 24-shot rally in the tie-break. No showboating from Kyrgios here; just rock solid tennis. In fact, it's not really typical of the approach he's taken for most of this match.
Pure class #Kyrgiospic.twitter.com/TCXAvGWsnj
— Liz19 (@itsagift15) January 25, 2020
Third set: Kyrgios 0* Khachanov 1 (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
An eleventh ace from Khachanov to get this third set under way. He faces quite the battle to win the next three set against Kyrgios in this mood. Thing is, of course, that mood can change very very quickly.
Third set: Kyrgios 0 Khachanov 0* (previous sets: 6-2, 7-6(7-5)) *denotes next to serve
Midway through this tie-break, Khachanov throws a lob so high that Kyrgios, mockingly, puts his hands over his eyes to shade them as he looks up into the Melbourne night sky. He slams home the overhead. Then another of those glorious soft drop shots - maybe the best of the match yet. Equal at 5-5.
A 24-shot rally - the longest of the match - won by Kyrgios on a running crosscourt forehand and Khachanov responds by throwing his racket into the court. Splinters everywhere. Moments later Kyrgios wins the breaker 7-5. A two-set lead for the Aussie - and it's the Russian who looks closest to a meltdown.
Tie-break time! Second set: Kyrgios 6* Khachanov 6 (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Kyrgios throws his hands through a couple of wild forehands, almost willing the set to go into a tie-break, which it does. Kyrgios to serve first.
Second set: Kyrgios 6 Khachanov 5* (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Another extraordinary shot at the net from Kyrgios - this time shaping up as if he was going to play the drop shot, then kind of blocking the ball back onto the baseline instead. He's got the hands to make a brain surgeon jealous.
Second set: Kyrgios 5* Khachanov 5 (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
As Khachanov holds to 15, I feel a tie break coming on.
Second set: Kyrgios 5 Khachanov 4* (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Ha! Terrific leaping volley from Kyrgios, disguised mid-jump so that Khachanov ran the wrong way at the back of the court. I reckon that Kyrgios has played at least one unconventional shot in every single game of this match - possibly with the exception of the service games in which he's struck a succession of first serves. He must be a total nightmare to play against.
Second set: Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 4 (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov absolutely not giving up this match and you suspect that the longer he stays in the contest, the more likely Kyrgios is to have a little meltdown. Looks like we're going the distance in this set, certainly.
Second set: Kyrgios 4 Khachanov 3* (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Two huge first serves get Kyrgios out of trouble on his serve towards the end of this game. On and off, he's playing some utterly sublime tennis.
Possible Kyrgios v Nadal next round you say? You know what to do @NickKyrgiospic.twitter.com/04hloPxQW0
— ryan �� (@ryanea20) January 25, 2020
Second set: Kyrgios 3* Khachanov 3 (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Lovely touch now from Khachanov, dropping a ball over the net that even the lithe Kyrgios cannot dink back. Kyrgios sets up a break point but a first serve from Khachanov snuffs out the opportunity. Then a 22-stroke rally that Kyrgios ends with a dump into the net. A net cord gives Kyrgios another opportunity to break but again Khachanov hits a big first serve.
Again Kyrgios drops shots from the back of the court! It's a quite remarkable shot, even now that his opponents have learnt to expect it. Now a backhand return winner from Kyrgios! Khachanov ain't getting away with this game lightly but finally he wins - and does so because Kyrgios actually suggested(!) that his opponent challenge a tight call on his first serve. The challenge was upheld and from there the Russian served out the game. Pretty extraordinary, really.
Second set: Kyrgios 3 Khachanov 2* (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Good little trot here from the Russian, who had a chance to set up a break here against Kyrgios only to miss the lines. Kyrgios holds. No signs at all of that glute injury he was fiddling with during the first set.
Second set: Kyrgios 2* Khachanov 2 (first set: 6-2) *denotes next to serve
Khachanov holds serve, including an ace down the centre which thuds into the line-judge's neck.
Here's what Khachanov said of Kyrgios before today's match: "The most difficult is his serve, to return because he has an unbelievable serve, variety. You don’t even see with the toss where he is going. He has all kinds of directions and then of course during the game he sometimes risks, sometimes plays a little bit unpredictable. But if you get ready for that mentally, I think you need to try to keep your serve and let’s see what happens on the return"
Second set: Kyrgios 2 Khachanov 1* (first set: 6-2)
A first break point for Khachanov but Kyrgios follows up a second serve with a charge to the net and then the most delightful soft hands to bury a drop volley despit the ball being fired into his midriff. An ace onto the T confirms the hold. Classic Kyrgios in those few points.
Kyrgios 1* Khachanov 1 (6-2, 1-1)
Little exchange of dropshots here as Kyrgios comes pouncing up to the net. Khachanov holds to stop the rot and get a little foothold back in this match.
Kyrgios 1 Khachanov 0* (6-2, 1-0)
First blood in the second set to Kyrgios too. Despite that injury he's looking good already to set up a fourth-round meeting with Rafael Nadal.
First set to Kyrgios! Kyrgios 0* Khachanov 0 (6-2, 0-0)
Kyrgios returned to court looking no worse for his treatment but the break in play appeared to damage Khachanov's concentration as he fails to put away a mid-court ball allowing Kyrgios to block the ball back into court and set up another break of serve, this time to win the set. Khachanov will need to move the Australian around much more in the second set if he's to get back into this match.
Little fight in the stands before this match
little fight before kyrgios match #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/mB07u7kiIs
— steph (@sadieadlers) January 25, 2020
Medical timeout for Kyrgios
Looks like a full medical timeout has been called for the Aussie No 2, who may start struggling with movement as pictured above.
Kyrgios with his trainer
This being a problem with Kyrgios's buttock, he's being seen too off court.
Kyrgios 5 Khachanov 2* (*denotes next to serve)
Hmm. Now Kyrgios is looking a little injured. He's tugging at his glute in a game that goes to deuce. Khachanov forces Kyrgios out very wide on the forehand but Kyrgios slashes in an absolute belter of a running forehand. Brilliant. And he wins the game with an equally brilliant - but deft - sliced dropshot thin over the net. Game won, but Kyrgios has called for the trainer.
John Isner has retired
He was playing Stan Wawrinka but pulled out halfway through the second set with injury. Not sure whether that's a foot problem, but the American walks off the court with his trainer and Wawrinka, the 2014 champion, goes marching on.
Kyrgios 4* Khachanov 2 (*denotes next to serve)
First real sniff on the Khachanov serve for Kyrgios as 40-30 and the Russian sends a backhand long to take us to deuce for the first time. Khachanov misses undre pressure and Kyrgios has a chance to break, which he seals cutely with an unexpected drop shot after a long exchange of backhands. Kyrgios breaks.
Kyrgios 3 Khachanov 2* (*denotes next to serve)
The Russian No 3 spent four hours and 34 minutes taking Swede Mikael Ymer into a fifth-set tie break to reach this match - efforts that he's bound to start feeling if Kyrgios gets him running around the court. No signs of that yet, though as the Australian firebrand focusses on smashing the cover off the tennis ball instead. Not much in the way of rallying yet, nor any break points as Kyrgios holds to 30
Kyrgios 2* Khachanov 2 (*denotes next to serve)
A quiz question. Which of these two players said this about the other: “[He is a] very aggressive player. He's difficult to play against. He's got a big serve, big forehand, looks to dictate.”
That was Kyrgios describing Khachanov, although he might just as well have been describing himself. Khachanov thumps his way to a second hold of serve and this match is rollicking along already.
Kyrgios 2 Khachanov 1* (*denotes next to serve)
Ace. Unreturnable service. Couple more huge serves from the Australian and that's game done. Easy sport, tennis.
G'day all: Kyrgios 1 Khachanov 0* (*denotes next to serve)
Kyrgios serving to the big(ish) Russian with the big(ish) groundstrokes. This is for a place in the fourth round. Kyrgios takes the first game, amid the usual support, with some ease.
