Nick Kyrgios leaps to Emma Raducanu's defence amid criticism of teenage British star

Nick Kyrgios has stuck up for Emma Raducanu after the British teenager came in for criticism for praising his quarter-final display at Wimbledon.

On Wednesday Kyrgios, 27, advanced into the semi-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career when he overcame Cristian Garin in straight-sets. It means a final four clash with Rafael Nadal tomorrow, with the Spaniard battling an abdominal injury following his five-set battle with Taylor Fritz.

The Aussie was at his sublime best against Garin, with the match also void of the controversies which have thus far tainted his run at SW19. And Raducanu, 19, took to Twitter to laud the display, simply writing 'NK' alongside a magician's wand emoji.

But her post seemed to anger a number of her followers, given on Tuesday it was confirmed that Kyrgios had been charged with common assault by Australian authorities. The allegations relate to an incident with his ex-partner, Chiara Passari.

That news followed divisive behaviour from Kyrgios during the opening week at SW19, who was fined for spitting towards a spectator during his first round match with Paul Jubb. He then received another financial penalty for an 'audible obscenity' during his clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

And in response he's spoken up for Raducanu, telling reporters: "I feel like I've kind of stuck up for her a bit in the media with some of the stuff that older legends kind of love to just throw shade and have their opinions on young players, young important players.

"She's obviously going to be one of the most important players on the WTA Tour for a very long time. She's obviously capable of winning a Grand Slam at 18. She's very capable of doing that again."

And the Canberra man clearly appreciated