Kyrgios knocks defending champion Medvedev out of US Open and world No 1 spot

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios, the No 23 seed, upset the world No 1 and defending champion Daniil Medvedev in four sets to advance to the quarter-finals of the US Open on Sunday night.

Kyrgios rode his powerful serve and all-court game to win 7-6 (11), 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in two hours and 54 minutes to reach his first quarter-final at the US Open, and his fourth in a Grand Slam singles event.

Kyrgios, ranked No 25, will play Russian Karen Khachanov, the No 27 seed, next.

While Kyrgios may have been out-aced 20 to 22 by Medvedev, the Australian imposed his big game to great effect on Sunday night to score his fourth win over the Russian in five career meetings.

He converted five of seven break chances he earned while losing his serve on three occasions.

Both players fired up the crowd during the match which was played a well-balanced mix of competitiveness and sportsmanship.

As we have seen all summer as Kyrgios lashed out at his box, which included good friend and doubles partner Kokkinakis on Sunday, on more than one occasion. But he seemed to maintain his focus and composure on the key points even after he dug himself into a hole by crossing over the net to hit a shot during a point that he would have certainly won.

Medvedev’s loss to Kyrgios means there will be a new world No 1 next week

Medvedev’s loss means he will lose the world No 1 ranking next week with three players still in the hunt for the top spot.

Rafael Nadal, who takes on American Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round on Monday, is the favourite to take over the top spot. But his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz and his academy-mate Casper Ruud, who are through to the fourth round and quarter-finals respectively, are also in with a chance to replace Medvedev at the top of the rankings.

US Open, New York City (Grand Slam), other fourth round matches

• Karen Khachanov beat Pablo Carreno Busta (12): 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 4-6, 6-3
• Casper Ruud (5) beat Corentin Moutet (LL): 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (4), 6-2
• Matteo Berrettini (13) beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina: 3-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3, 4-6, 6-2
• Marin Cilic vs. Carlos Alcaraz
• Ilya Ivashka vs. Jannik Sinner
• Frances Tiafoe vs. Rafael Nadal
• Cameron Norrie vs. Andrey Rublev

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