Focused Kygrios ousts Nakashima in five sets to reach Wimbledon quarter-final

Nick Kyrgios continued his blazing run through the Wimbledon draw as he reached the quarter-finals in London for the first time since his breakout tournament here aged 19 in 2014.

Despite not being able to produce his best tennis, Kyrgios was disciplined and focused at the pivotal moments as he edged out Brandon Nakashima in a tight five-setter, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-2.

In his first grand slam fourth round, the 20-year-old American Nakashima was diligent and proactive throughout, attempting to find a consistent balance between hugging the baseline to prod Kyrgios’ defences and being more steady than his famously volatile opponent.

“I just wanna say, hell of an effort by Brandon, he’s a hell of a player. He’s 20 years old and he’s gonna do some special things,” said Kyrgios.

After losing the opening set, Kyrgios saw a physio early on for an issue with his shoulder. Aside from his spurts of high intensity behind his serving, Kyrgios struggled to tap in the form that was so readily available to him in his third round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Two days after his chaotic contest against Tsitsipas, Kyrgios also cut a far more muted figure on Centre Court against his understated, inexperienced opponent. He occasionally engaged his box, but he otherwise managed his temper well.

Where he did not lack was in his concentration and he used his experience in the important moments to guide him through. After Nakashima forced him into the fifth set, Kyrgios recovered not through outrageous shotmaking or showboating, but by playing disciplined, high percentage tennis. He landed returns, forcing his opponent to hit through him, and eventually eked out errors from Nakashima in a tense game at 1-1 to secure the decisive