Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios has hit a career high ranking following his progression to the quarter-finals at the Miami Open.
The 20-year-old beat Russian Andrey Kuznetsov in straight sets, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 in 83 minutes to continue his recent good form on the men’s tour.
Currently ranked no.26 in the world, Kyrgios’ win will see him jump at least four spots, surpassing his previous best mark of 25.
The talented Aussie could yet crack the top 20 if he manages to beat Milos Raonic, after the Canadian also won through to the last in straight sets.
Kyrgios has yet to drop a set at the tournament as he also seeks to overtake compatriot Bernard Tomic as Australia’s highest ranked men’s player.
The former junior champions sent down 11 aces and lost only ten points on serve during his latest win, with his ground-strokes also proving too strong for Kuznetsov.
After taking a tight fist set in a tie-break, during which neither player was able to break serve, Kyrgios overpowered his opponent as the match wore on.
“I came out a little flat and he came out flying,” Kyrgios said post-match.
“I thought he played really well today, his level was high the whole time.
“I picked up my energy halfway through the first set.
“I didn’t serve my best today and that’s just confidence for me — I’m playing well from the back, returning well and creating a lot of chances.
“It was a really tough match and glad to get through.
“The conditions were tough, it was humid, it was tough to hold your racquet.”
If Kyrgios is successful in his quarter-final he’ll play the winner of the clash between Kei Nishikori and Gael Monfils for a spot in the Miami Open final.