Nick Kyrgios saved two match points en route to an astonishing comeback victory over 29th seed Ugo Humbert on day three at Melbourne Park.
In a match that stole all the headlines on day three of the Australian Open, Nick Kyrgios claimed a tremendous 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 victory in front of an electric John Cain Arena crowd.
"That match was a crazy one. I've been a part of a lot of matches and that one has been definitely one of the most memorable ones, I'm still kind of in awe about the atmosphere. The stadium definitely didn't feel half full, that's for sure, it felt crazy, the atmosphere was insane. That was insane."
Kyrgios had a lot of respect for the Frenchman on the other end of the court:
"He's a heck of a player. I don't think he's getting enough credit for the year he had last year. He's only going to get better. I don't call too many people good players when I play them. He's definitely one to watch out for, I think he's going to be very good. He played a hell of a match, he's going to be really good, he's just got to keep his head up and he'll do some special things," Kyrgios said.
"I've been in so many big matches on that court in particular. I've just been through so much on the court, I just felt like I was an old, savvy veteran who had experience over him. He's a young guy, I don't think he's been in too many five set matches in Australia with that kind of crowd against him, so I was just trying to draw from experience, make him play as much as I could and I somehow got out of jail today, honestly, it's surreal," Kyrgios said.
"I feel old, I just want to have a glass of red wine after a match like that," Kyrgios said.
Kyrgios will come up against third seed Dominic Thiem on Friday in the third round.
“He’s probably one of the most physical guys on tour. He’s an extremely good player. I’ve actually seen him progress because he’s a bit older than I am. I actually saw him in juniors and then I saw him struggle for a couple years. Futures, challies, and then to see him get to the top of the game, it’s been actually pretty cool to see him develop and finally find what he needs to do to win matches. He trains like an absolute animal, he’s consistent every day. I actually have a lot of respect for him. I think his style of tennis is not easy to play, he’s super physical. I’m not even thinking about it, like I’m just hurting thinking about playing him right now.”
Around the grounds, Kyrgios was the only Australian to advance to the third round of the Australian Open on day three, with fellow Aussies James Duckworth, Bernard Tomic, Alex Bolt and Ajla Tomljanovic all exiting in the second round.
James Duckworth was the first Aussie in action on day three, running into red hot 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, going down 4-6, 1-6, 2-6 on Show Court 3. The Canadian fired 19 aces past the Aussie to secure his spot in the third round.
Bernard Tomic also fell on day three, defeated by 11th seed Denis Shapovalov 1-6, 3-6, 2-6.
"He played unbelievable. It was a joke. So for him, full credit. I tried to get some rhythm, but I just felt pretty bad the whole match," Tomic said.
In the last match on day three, Aussie wildcard Alex Bolt ran into a steam train - 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov.
The Aussie looked comfortable in the opening set, taking Dimitrov to a tiebreaker, but the Bulgarian ran away with it, and the match, claiming a 7-6(1), 6-1, 6-2 win.
Seven Australians will be in action on day four of the Australian Open. Rod Laver Arena ticket holders for the day session will be licking their lips with world no.1 Ash Barty in action, taking on fellow Aussie Daria Gavrilova in what should be a cracking match. Following the all-Aussie affair, Thanasi Kokkinakis will come up against fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Australian 21st seed Alex de Minaur will open the night session on Margret Court Arena, up against Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas. Following de Minaur's match will be Aussie Sam Stosur, who takes on American Jessica Pegula.
Over on Show Court 3, Alexei Popyrin and Christopher O'Connell will both be in action.
Popyrin plays South African Lloyd Harris in the second match of the day on court, and following that match, O'Connell will take on Moldovan Radu Albot.
Tune in as The First Serve reporter Jedd Zetzer joined Damian Watson to wrap up all the action from day three at Melbourne Park.