sport news Nick Kyrgios' tribute to girlfriend Costeen Hatzi in humble speech after US ... trends now
Nick Kyrgios has once again made of a mockery of the rankings and blown the US Open wide open with a rollicking fourth-round win over world No.1 and defending champion Daniil Medvedev - and he is sure to win praise for his classy post-match speech on centre court.
In an explosive encounter laced with controversy and drama, Kyrgios risked being defaulted and overcame a running verbal battle with the chair umpire before ousting the top seed 7-6 (13-11) 3-6 6-3 6-2 on Sunday night.
It was the Wimbledon runner-up's second defeat of Medvedev in three weeks and vaulted Kyrgios into the quarter-finals at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
After getting the crowd offside with a trademark run-in with officials early in the win, the Aussie was applauded for his classy remarks just after taking match point - especially his heartfelt tribute to girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.
Kyrgios was beaming as he thanked his support team - and especially partner Costeen Hatzi - after pulling off one of the biggest wins of his career
The Aussie bad boy hailed his 'great girlfriend' Costeen (pictured during the win over Medvedev) and said she and the rest of his team are a huge part of his success in 2022
'It was an amazing match, Daniil is the defending champion and he would have had a lot of pressure on his shoulders,' he said.
'But the way I have been playing has been amazing the last few months.
'I am just working hard every day, making every practice session count. Getting to sleep, I would probably be out every night before.
'I have a great girlfriend, she helps me. My team, my physio, all of my team.
'I am really happy and hopefully I can keep it going. I want to go all the way, hopefully it is possible.'
At last realising his rich potential, the 27-year-old will play another Russian, Karen Khachanov, for a semi-final berth on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).
The Aussie took a bow after beating the defending US Open champion in four sets
Kyrgios's former long-time girlfriend Ajla Tomljanovic was also playing her fourth-round match on Sunday against in-form Russian Liudmila Samsonova, striving to give Australia two quarter-finalists in New York for the first time this century.
Now three wins away from breaking his grand slam title duck, Kyrgios was imperious at times.
He received a standing ovation from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd
