Australian Open: Nick Kyrgios Set Up Fourth-Round Match Against Rafael Nadal

Nick Kyrgios battled a hard-fought match against Russian player Karen Khachanov to set up a fourth-round match against world number one Rafael Nadal.

Melbourne Arena witnessed an effortful and thrilling match between the Australian and Khachanov that lasted through five sets before Kyrgios emerged as the winner on their second career meeting since Cincinnati Masters in August.

Kyrgio was coasting to victory having won first two sets but Karen rallied in the third and forced a five-setter after claiming the two sets before losing by 6-2 7-6(5) 6-7(6) 6-7(9) 7-6(8).

Ecstatic Kyrgios dropped on the court when Karen hit a backhand shot wide and described his victory as definitely "one of the best" of his career. The 24-year-old served a massive 33 aces compared to his opponent who served 21.

Karen had taken a 7/8 lead in the decider and was poised to win since he is just a match point away, unfortunately, that did not happen as Nick rallied and won three straight match points to win after four and half hours of play.

"I'm not thong about that [match against Nadal]," said Kyrgios when asked about his next match. "Whatever happens between us, he is an amazing player. Arguably the greatest of all time."