Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal and Nick Kyrgios last met at the 2020 Australian Open. © Jonathan DiMaggio/Getty Images. ATP Staff Mar 16, 2022. A recap of every match between ...

Not even a motivated Kyrgios was able to trouble the Spaniard. Kyrgios let slip one opportunity to serve out the match, but managed to close out his rival in straight sets. “As soon as I finished, I went back to the hotel. Kyrgios was no longer new on the scene, though. But Kyrgios had defeated Nadal en route to the Acapulco title earlier in the season, and the World No. 43 did not fear his opponent. His performance in the final against Kyrgios was most impressive of all. “I have lot of respect for Nick. He's one of the players with more talent on the Tour,” Nadal said. The day Kyrgios and Nadal met at the 2017 Western & Southern Open was an interesting one, and not just because they played each other. Nadal led the final-set tie-break 6/3, but was unable to capitalise on three consecutive match points, with a Kyrgios backhand drop volley at 4/6 hitting the top of the net, but bouncing over. The Aussie found a great serving rhythm to push the lefty to the brink, but Nadal was a bit too consistent in the tie-breaks to triumph. It is clear that Kyrgios brings his best to challenge the likes of Nadal on tennis’ biggest stages. “I’m shattered to have lost tonight,” Kyrgios said.