Nick Kyrgios launched an X-rated tirade at the Indian Wells Masters, aiming his outburst in the direction of Casper Ruud, who he went on to defeat 6-4, 6-4 in the third round.
This was the pair’s first meeting since the 2019 Italian Open, when Kyrgios was defaulted for throwing a chair onto the court. After the match, Ruud called for the controversial star to be banned for six months as a consequence for his actions.
The big-serving Australian was on fire in California as he delivered a scorching performance to knock the Norwegian out of the tournament. “I hear no talking now. None. F*****g none,” Kyrgios yelled into the camera after sealing an impressive win.
Kyrgios won 82% (28/34) of his first-serve points and cracked seven aces. His all-out attacking game secured early breaks in both sets and did not face any on his own serve.
"It was a big one," said Kyrgios after the match. "He’s a great player, the last two years he’s been playing some pretty great tennis. [But] tonight I played the right style. I’m just super happy at the moment, with my team around me, it’s endless support and I just managed to really play well on the big points today.”
The 26-year-old commented on his current mindset, which is a positive one and he feels ready to play his best tennis on a more consistent basis.
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“I know what I’m capable of," added Kyrgios. "I think everyone does as well. It’s whether I put my mind to it. I feel rejuvenated. I just feel like I’m here, I’m happy, and I’m just ready to give my all every match.
"I’ve played three pretty solid players who have been playing on a lot of confidence and I’ve won three matches in straight sets. Now there are 16 players left, playing at the top of their game. This is where you want to be, and I just want to keep moving forward, keep my head down and stay positive.”
Kyrgios is set to play Italy’s Jannick Sinner in the fourth round. “[Sinner is a] hell of a player," said Kyrgios regarding the tournament's tenth seed.
"He’s been playing exceptionally for the last year and a half, hits the ball massive. I actually played him in doubles, and I was blown off the court with how big and how effortlessly he can play.
"I know the style of tennis I need to play as well, but I’m not going to think about that right now. I’m going to go home, enjoy my time, and get some good practice in tomorrow and we’ll see how it goes.”
As Kyrgios mentioned, he and Sinner have contested doubles matches against each other, but tomorrow's round of 16 clash will mark the pair's first singles meeting.
