Mexican Open 2019: Nick Kyrgios Forced Rafael Nadal Out To Reach Quarter-finals

As unexpected as it could be, Rafael Nadal has been knocked out by Aussie vet Nick Kyrgios in the second-round at the Mexican Open in Acapulo. 

Nadal enjoyed a ease through the opener before he came under hammer from Nick who fought through two tie-breaks, saving three match points at the deciding set tie to end the match by 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6) and upset the top seed. 

In third set, Nadal allowed the match to slid off him when the Aussie saved two break points and forced the set to a tie-break. Nadal gave away the round shooting long a backhand. The match lasted for three hours before the world no. 2 caved in. 

"It's massive. I've struggled a lot this yead, so to be able to put in a performance like that against No. 1 seed is pretty special," says the 23-year-old. 

The pair have not met since 2017 in China Open when Nadal eased through in straight sets, 6-2, 6-1. However, Nick recorded his third career win over the Spaniard in their sixth career ATP Fedex meetings. 

In the quarter-finals, Nick will meet Spaniard vet Stan Wawrinka who beat seventh seed Steve Johnson in straight sets, 7-6(5), 6-4.