Nick Kyrgios has become Aussie tennis’ next big hope after defeating number one seed Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon.
The 19-year-old wonder kid from Canberra is the first player out of the top 100 to beat a world number one in a Grand Slam tournament in 22 years.
Despite the daunting matchup Kyrgios maintained his moxie against the Spaniard and pulled off the stunning upset with an audacious final return.
“Kyrgios played probably the shot of the year, let alone the shot of Wimbledon, as he nonchalantly knocked a return drop-shot through his legs for the point,” wrote Mike Singer of CBS Sports.
After the win Twitter was abuzz with people expressing their utter disbelief and congratulating the Aussie.
Hugh Jackman tweeted: “Aussie Aussie Aussie @NickKyrgios. Such composure and class! But hard off to @RafaelNadal … one of the greatest of all time!”
Pat Cash tweeted: “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi. @NickKyrgios the giant slayer! #wimbledon #believe”.
But no tweet was better than the one from Kyrgios himself who was understandably elated with his win when he wrote: “Have to do it all again tomorrow and I can’t wait! First @Wimbledon & I’m in the last 8 club!! #HaveThat”.
Kyrgios isn’t the only up and comer to make a splash on the international stage. See these other Aussie boys who are ones to watch.
Past Wimbeldon winners John McEnroe and Pat Cash believe Nick Kyrgios can go on to emulate Boris Becker and win this year’s Wimbledon title.
“We’re so proud of him,” said Nick’s sister, Halimah Kyrgios as she watched with her father in the stands.
“For me is very easy to say he can be top 10. I think he can do. Is not an issue that I think he can not do it,” said Nadal of his opponent after the match.
“Slowly sinking in. What an unreal day!” tweeted Kyrgios after the win.
Australian Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo ripped the formbook apart in Canada this year when he celebrated his first Grand Prix victory in June.
The 25-year-old Red Bull team member celebrated his F1 victory in Montreal, a long way from his native Perth.
Overnight heartthrob: Riccardo is not just famous for his racing mettle but his contagious smile that he’s often sporting.
Australian teenager Dante Exum achieved a lifelong dream by being drafted to the NBA by the Utah Jazz in June.
When the 18-year-old was born his father, former NBL forward Cecil Exum, took a basketball to the Melbourne hospital where his son was born and placed it in his tiny hands.
US media has dubbed Exum “The Boy Wonder from Down Under” and “International Man of Mystery” after he was just 5th pick in the Jazz’s draft selection. “I’m just a kid from Melbourne, Australia,” said Exum later. “I guess right now I just got drafted so I guess I’m not a mystery anymore.”
Aussie swimmer James Magnussen is building a humbler image in the led up to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games due to kick off in July 23.
The handsome 23-year-old from Port Macquarie certainly scrubs up well out of the pool.
Magnussen is one the watch at the Commonwealth Games. The swimmer told the Courier Mail last month he was feeling comfortable with his preparations for the upcoming competition. “I’m starting to do some speed work now, dropping off the aerobic work and really starting to spike things up,” he said. “I’m doing a lot of work at the moment on my start and turns.”
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