Rafael Nadal vs. Nick Kyrgios - Todd Woodbridge shares thoughts

In the most anticipated clash of the Australian Open so far, Rafael Nadal will take upon Nick Kyrgios in the fourth round on Monday in what should be a real cracker. These two have played seven times in the past and Nadal has a slight edge (4-3), struggling against the Aussie who stunned him at Wimbledon six years ago at the age of 19. Their last meeting so far was also at Wimbledon last July, with Nadal winning that one 6-3, 3-6, 7-6, 7-6, staying focused from start to finish and keeping the attention on tennis itself instead of what the rival is doing on the other side of the court.

There was some bad blood between them in the past and here in Melbourne as well, setting the ground for another thrilling contest in the battle for the quarter-final. In the third round, Nadal spent only an hour and 38 minutes on the court while Kyrgios had to fight against Karen Khachanov for almost four and a half hours, struggling with a leg injury and losing a lot of energy ahead of even more demanding meeting with world no. 1. Todd Woodbridge believes Nick would have had a chance if it was the best-of-three match but not that much in the best-of-five encounter, giving the edge to Rafa due to his physical superiority and the fact he would know how to get the most from the current situation and draw Nick into the baseline rallies where he should have the advantage.

"These two have had enough history and it is o.k for Rafa to go out and say what he thinks about Nick at the press conference. He wasn't arrogant about it, just saying he doesn't like it. When they played at Wimbledon last year, Rafa was so focused and determined to beat Nick on that day. In some ways that play against Nick at the moment, his opponents know what to expect and they are not going to be distracted. Physically, it will be hard for Nick to repeat and endure what he came through on Saturday night; Rafa is used to those bounce backs and Nick isn't. Nadal will do his best to topple Kyrgios from the baseline, aware of Nick's condition and that marathon he played against Khachanov. I would give Nick a chance if it was the best-of-three match but it is going to be really tough for him to win three sets against Rafa."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/36voQhB