Kyrgios says 'layer of respect' with Nadal despite feud

Australia's Nick Kyrgios said he had "respect" for Rafael Nadal despite their personal differences after he set up a last-16 match with the top seed at the Australian Open on Saturday.

Kyrgios played down disagreements with the world number one -- against whom he has a 2-1 record on hard courts -- after some barbed exchanges between the two.

"Regardless, if we don't like each other or whatever, I think there's a layer of respect," Kyrgios said after his five-set thriller with Russia's Karen Khachanov.

"He's one of the greatest of all time. I also read that he thinks I'm good for the sport.

"There's a layer of respect that we both have for each other. Doesn't necessarily mean we like each other, but we're going to go out there and give contrasting styles and personalities."
"After Wimbledon, I lost, I got beaten by the better player. I shook his hand, looked him in the eye, and said, 'Too good'."