Wimbledon 2019: Nick Kyrgios wins five-set thriller against Jordan Thompson to set up Rafa Nadal clash

Kyrgios was as entertaining as ever, with a mixture of inspired creativity and bizarre shot-selection captivating the crowd on Court 3 throughout the three and a half hour contest

Flamboyant Australian Nick Kyrgios won a five-set thriller against compatriot Jordan Thompson, 7-6(4), 3-6, 7-6(10), 0-6, 6-1, to seal a second round match against Rafael Nadal.

Kyrgios was as entertaining as ever, with a mixture of inspired creativity and bizarre shot-selection captivating the crowd on Court 3 throughout the three and a half hour contest.

Thompson will rue missed opportunities in the first and third set, and cut an understandably frustrated figure as he lost control of his destiny in the deciding set.

To begin with, Kyrigos was his usual mercurial self; numerous ‘tweener’ attempts from the back of the court, an obsession with drop shots and constant dialogue with the umpire and spectators meant it was no wonder the fourth biggest court in the grounds was near to capacity from the off.

Thompson broke in the fourth game of the match amid Kyrgios’ inconsistent form, and stormed to a 5-2 lead. Yet Kyrgios recovered, saving a set point on his own serve before breaking back as Thompson’s groundstrokes let him down.

Kyrigos, 24, was dominant in the tiebreak that followed, with his booming serve not giving Thompson a sniff on return when it really mattered.

However, Thompson, 25, rallied in the second, and this time didn’t scupper his lead, serving out to level things up.

But the real magic took place in the third set. Dodgy line calls, code violations (for both players) and an abundance of stupendous points & shots made for thrilling viewing – who would take advantage?

Kyrigos eventually took the tiebreak 12-10, on his eighth set point – Thompson didn’t even have one.

And yet this topsy-turvy match took another twist in the fourth set, as not only did Thompson find a second wind, but Kyrigos lost his momentum completely, and towards the set’s conclusion was undeniably ‘tanking’ points. Was it to preserve himself for the fifth set, or another questionable lack of focus?

On this occasion, you could say it was the former. Rejuvenated once again, Kyrigos broke twice as Thompson himself fatigued, and a cross-court half-volley on the forehand wing sealed a memorable victory.

Always a talking point, Kyrigos will now play Rafael Nadal on Thursday, who beat Yuichi Sugita in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. The pair don't appear to see eye-to-eye, after an difference of opinion between Nadal's uncle, Toni, and the Australian in recent months, as well as a frosty post-match handshake when they played in Acapulco in February - a match Kyrigos won.