Rising Aussie stars Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic continue to fly the flag at the Australian Open, with the pair both comfortably through to the fourth round in straight sets.
Kyrgios dropped just ten games as he defeated Malek Jaziri 6-3 7-6 6-1 on Margaret Court Arena. The Canberra teenager firing down 25 aces to depose of the Tunisian in under two hours.
The result will mean a career-best ranking for Kyrgios, which he’ll have the chance to improve even more when he meets Andreas Seppi for a place in the quarter-finals.
The 19-year-old is set to rise to at least No.41 in the world but will have to be on his game against Seppi, who is fresh from ousting Swiss champion Roger Federer.
“It’s a great feeling,” Kyrgios said. “Obviously I haven’t played too many matches coming in so it’s great to get some wins at the home slam.
“He’s (Seppi) a great competitor. We played at the US Open (Kyrgios won), and I’m looking forward to it.”
If Kyrgios is successful in reaching the second grand slam quarter-final of his career on Sunday he’ll play the winner of the match between Andy Murray and Grigor Dimitrov.
Meanwhile Bernard Tomic downed compatriot Sam Groth 6-4 7-6 6-3 to book his place in the Round of 16.
Groth was playing for his best grand slam result in the all-Australian tie but Tomic was too accomplished, posting a hard-earned 6-4 7-6 (10-8) 6-3 victory.
The 22-year-old’s effort to equal his career-best fourth round appearance at Melbourne Park ensures Tomic will also see a rise in his world ranking to at least No.47.
“My return today was the key,” Tomic said. “It was very difficult against Sam. I had to approach this match differently and I’m really pleased with the way I came through.”
The 22-year-old will face Czech seventh seed Tomas Berdych in a rematch of the pair’s tight Wimbledon encounter in June.
“Playing Tomas next will be tough. We’ve had a couple of tight matches at Wimbledon the last two years. I’m looking forward to it.”
You’ll be able to catch Kyrgios and Tomic in action at the clubhouse on Sunday as we continue to broadcast all the live action from the Australian Open throughout January.