AUSTRALIAN Nick Kyrgios is through to the quarter finals after winning one of the most epic US Open matches against world number one Daniil Medvedev, stripping the Russian of that title. The reigning champion had to win his fourth round match to ensure he retained the number one ranking spot, but it was not to be, as the Australian closed out the match in four sets, 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-2.

It was a match for the ages as the world’s best player taking on the most in-form player who could easily be the world’s best, as a switched-on Kyrgios has his sights set on going one better than his Grand Slam final appearance at Wimbledon. After a nail-biting first set which the Australian won 13-11, Medvedev responded with a crucial break of serve early in the second to level the scores at a set apiece. It would be a small advantage as it turned out, with the 23rd seed playing some inspired tennis over the next two sets to break multiple times – five for the match – to only drop five games in that time and close out the match in two hours and 53 minutes.

Both players hit 19 aces, with Kyrgios having more double faults (7-1), but also playing some ridiculous shots to hit 49 winners to 46. He did have more unforced errors (35-17), but was able to break five times from seven chances as Medvedev only managed the three from eight. It was not a case of Medvedev not playing well, but more so Kyrgios playing at an elite level to rise above the world’s top player. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his performance, was the Australian’s ability not to get flustered when he cost himself a break point by illegally touching a ball on Medvedev’s side of the net in an act of showmanship for the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.

“I want to go all the way,” Kyrgios said post-match after asking the crowd if they liked his performance. “Hopefully it is possible. I’m just glad that I am finally able to show New York my talent. I haven’t played great tennis [in the past] to be honest… it’s taken me 27 years.”

No player has won more ATP Tour matches in the past two months than Kyrgios who roared into the quarter finals to take on Russian 27th seed Karen Khachanov. Kyrgios admitted he would have a “fight” on his hands with Khachanov a known battle, overcoming 12th seed Pablo Carreno Busta in five sets, 4-6 6-3 6-1 4-6 6-3. In the other results, fifth seed Casper Ruud and 13th seed Matteo Berrettini both reached the quarter finals, having both experienced Grand Slam finals before. Ruud knocked out Frenchman Corentin Moutet in four sets, 6-1 6-2 6-7 62, while Berrettini battled past Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in five sets, 3-6 7-6 6-3 4-6 6-2.

US OPEN MEN’S SINGLES RESULTS: ROUND OF 16

[23] Nick Kyrgios (AUS) defeated [1] Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 7-6 3-6 6-3 6-2
[5] Casper Ruud (NOR) defeated Corentin Moutet (FRA) 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-2
[13] Matteo Berrettini (ITA) defeated Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ESP) 3-6 7-6 6-3 4-6 6-2
[27] Karen Khachanov (RUS) defeated [12] Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 4-6 6-3 6-1 4-6 6-3