Kyrgios knocks 'childhood hero' Federer out of Madrid Open

Nick Kyrgios produced a battling performance as the Australian youngster edged past 'childhood hero' Roger Federer in a tight three-set thriller in the second round of the Madrid Open on Wednesday.

Kyrgios saved two match points in a dramatic deciding set tie-break to claim a 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (7-5), 6-7 (14-12) win over the 17-time Grand Slam champion in a grueling match that lasted two hours and 37 minutes.

Reflecting on his performance, Federer said that his problem was he couldn't return Kyrgios' first serve, adding that it was just a horrible performance on the return, which cost him the match, the BBC reported.

 

Meanwhile, third seed Rafael Nadal trounced his American opponent Steve Johnson 6-4,6-3 and will next face Simone Bolelli of Italy.

Kyrgios will next square-off against John Isner in the third round.