INDIAN WELLS, California, USA (AP) - Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (0), 5-7, 6-4 on Thursday to reach the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters, after a duel that included obscene expressions, serves under the arm, a point discounted as punishment and some destroyed rackets.
Nadal improved to a record of 19-0 this year. It is the third best start to a season since 1990.
“I'm happy for that third set, because it wasn't easy after the end of the second. It was terrible for me,” said the Spaniard. “However, I sustained myself emotionally and mentally. I think I was ready to keep fighting.”
At the end of the match, Kyrgios went to the net to shake hands with Nadal. He then whipped the racket on the court. The racket bounced and came close to hitting a ball boy who was at the back of the court.
The Australian left between a mixture of boos and cheers.