Tennis News: Nick Kyrgios rallies from a set loss to reach Japan Open Tennis quarter-finals
Nick Kyrgios staved off a poor first-set performance and sealed a 3-6 6-2 6-2 victory against Poland's Kamil Majchrzak in the second round of the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships
His own loose opening service game troubled Nick Kyrgios, and a few minutes into the game, he was trailing 0-3. He couldn't create any break-point opportunities in the remainder of the set.
Interestingly, the Aussie saved a break point in the opening game of set two and never fumbled again. As he admitted, he was ultimately declared the winner, which was not surprising for Kyrgios.
"I've got really good confidence in my game right now, so I don't really doubt myself even when I'm down a set," said the 27-year-old.
His confidence is attributed to his experience in Grand Slams competitions. Despite losing a set, he knows he can turn the game around with his ability.
The fifth seed scored 22 aces and won 84 per cent of his first-serve points. He acknowledged the difference his service alone can create. After a satisfying performance in the singles draw, Kyrgios day will enter the doubles arena.
In the evening, he will pair up with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis as the top seeds encounter the Spanish duo of Pedro Martinez and Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
Tennis News: Frances Tiafoe cruises after beating Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Frances Tiafoe entered the Japan Open quarter-finals after a straight-sets victory over Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles 6-1 7-6 in the second round in Tokyo.
He derives confidence from his indifference toward fans' rising expectations of him. "I wanna win for me," shared the American.
The 24-year-old has not been out of people's radars since he beat Rafael Nadal en route to his first Grand Slam semi-final at the US Open 2022.
Tiafoe acquired the first set with ease before Miralles resisted to force the second set into a tiebreak. "Good match today, tough second set," remarked Tiafoe, who won his last 13 tiebreaks.
He seems aware of his aggressive gameplay and reliable service during tiebreaks. The American will face Miomir Kecmanovic in the last eight after the Serb beat Dan Evans 6-3, 3-6, 7-6.
Tiafoe hogged the limelight at the Laver Cup in London, where his victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas landed a tournament win for World Team against Europe for the first time in the competition's history.
The fourth-seeded player, currently world number 19, admitted that he is unfazed by the attention he is receiving. "I've been on tour for seven or eight years now, none of that really moves me."
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