By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday September 2, 2022
Flushing Meadows, NY—It will feel like a final when Nick Kyrgios and Daniil Medvedev square off in the round of 16 at the US Open, and it could play like one also. In this contest between two of the hottest hard courters in the land, one will go home early and the other could be set up for a run to the title.
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In truth, lacking an official US Open crystal ball, it’s hard to tell what the future holds for the winner. All we can be sure off – and thrilled about – is that the US Open round of 16 will feature an absolute blockbuster on the men’s side.
Fans that are down in the dumps about Serena Williams loss to Ajla Tomljanovic can use it take their mind off the legend’s departure from the sport. Purists can drool over the X’s and O’s. Nadal fans can root for five sets and five hours.
There’s something for everyone and even Kyrgios and Medvedev are looking forward to it.
“We are both quite electric,” Medvedev told the media after his win over Wu Yibing of China on Friday night. It was late, he was tired. But there was still a hint of excitement in his voice.
“You never know what's going to happen in the future,” he said. “Yeah, for now a lot of respect. From what I feel he respects me. I respect him for that. I respect him for what he does. Even if sometimes people can criticize me or him.”
Kyrgios says he is ready for a tussle. The big stage is his domain, and he will surely have it on Sunday.
“As a tennis player, as an athlete, with any profession, you kind of want to be in those moments,” he said. “I don't want to be playing futures or challengers on backcourts with no crowd. That's not why I play this sport. That's not why I pick up a racquet.
“I want to be playing on the biggest stadiums in the world in front of millions of people broadcasted globally. That's where I want to be. That is why I work hard. It makes it even sweeter. I know a lot of people don't want me to succeed. I know a lot of people hate my game, the way I do things, they way I go about it.”
There’s been a lot to love about Kyrgios’ game in 2022. He’s playing the best – and most consistent – tennis of his career. He’s fresh off the Wimbledon final and he’s 34-9 overall. He oozes confidence and while he respects Medvedev’s talents, he’s backing himself, that he can get this victory and finish his season with another crowning achievement.
“I think my level is right there,” he said. “I think there are only a few players right now who are playing a better level of tennis than I am, if not the same.”
The Aussie, who owns a 3-1 record over Medvedev including a win in Montreal just a few weeks ago, says not many players can hang with Medvedev on the fast hard courts of the US Open. But he is, most certainly, one that can.
“There's no shame in losing to a player like that,” he said. “But I definitely feel like the way I'm playing, the game plan and the success I had against him obviously in Montreal. I definitely feel like I have a fighting chance. Not many players can say that right now, going in to play Medvedev at the US Open.
"They're going to go out there, but I don't think they're down the other end of the court knowing they're going to win. I feel like I'm definitely one of the players that has a chance. With the way I'm playing right now, I have a chance.”
Photo credit: Getty