‘What did we just see?’: Jaws drop as Nick Kyrgios obliterates world No. 7

Nick Kyrgios stunned the tennis world with a barely believable demolition of Russian star Andrey Rublev at the Miami Open.

Nick Kyrgios is on a hot streak. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Nick Kyrgios took just 52 minutes to blitz world number seven Andrey Rublev and move into the third round of the Miami Open on Saturday.

The controversial Australian’s aggression came to the fore as he wasted little time in racing to a 6-3 6-0 win to set up a clash with fellow firebrand Fabio Fognini of Italy.

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“I’m really happy with my performance,” said the world number 102. “I didn’t play unbelievable, I played just the right way. I didn’t let him have any rhythm so I just tried to slap some winners.

“I have been dealing with a lot of stuff over the last couple of years but I am not stressing much. I have been enjoying my tennis.”

Speaking to Kyrgios, a Tennis Channel host called the result an “unbelievably remarkable win”.

“I think all of us, our jaws are on the floor. What did we just see out of you?” she said.

Kyrgios will face Rublev again in the same tournament when he teams up with Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the doubles draw, where they will face the Russian and Karen Khachanov.

The “Special Ks”, the world’s most entertaining doubles combination, are playing their third tournament together this year but it may be their last for a while, given Kyrgios plans to skip the clay-court season again.

Kyrgios is on a roll. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

That was something else. 🇦🇺🏃🏽‍♂️
There are 8 ways to force an error. Taking away the opponent’s time to prepare for the shot is one of them. It was a clinic from #Kyrgios today v #Rublev. 6-3, 6-0. Marching on at the #MiamiOpenpic.twitter.com/CIQNGGnYrK

— Craig O'Shannessy 🇺🇦 (@BrainGameTennis) March 25, 2022

Nick Kyrgios wins 6-3, 6-0 over Andrey Rublev in just 51 minutes. Heckin’ yowza. #MiamiOpen

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 25, 2022

Well… @NickKyrgios 63 60 over World #7 Andrey Rublev …. there’s still a heartbeat

— 🎗️ Paul McNamee (@PaulFMcNamee) March 25, 2022

Kyrgios stressed he’s at peace with himself after a day where both sides of the Australian’s character come into sharp focus at the ATP and WTA Miami Open.

Hours before he wowed Hard Rock Stadium with his ruthless demolition of Rublev to reach the third round, the enigmatic star was fined $25,000 by the ATP following a stormy defeat to Rafa Nadal at Indian Wells earlier this month.

The 26 year-old Aussie was fined $20,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after hurling his racket near a ball boy and $5,000 for an audible obscenity.

Kyrgios, prone to emotional outbursts and controversial actions on court, remains among the sport’s most exciting talents when he plays as he did to eliminate the Russian.

Watching American Jenson Brooskby lose the plot on Friday and throw his racket in similar fashion struck a chord with the Australian.

“I am at peace with everything off the court,” Kyrgios told AFP afterwards. “I am in the right mindset. It’s just one match. I was lucky to get through the first round and today I played great.

“I’ve had the biggest pre-season ever. I’ve trained hard and in the best shape I’ve been in for a while. I’m in a better space with my family. I could put it down to a few things.

“I’ve been on tour for nine years. I know some weeks will be incredible and some will be shocking. I’m not on that rollercoaster life anymore where I really enjoy those highs and almost drown my sorrows with the lows.

“That’s healthier for me.”

The Aussie has found his happy place. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Brooksby sparked anger on social media and in some tennis circles after losing his temper in a match against Argentina’s Federico Coria.

Kyrgios has been there and knows why the American lost his head. “I’ve done many things in my life just like many other people have where you question your decisions. No one is perfect,” Kyrgios said.

“I’m not one to judge anyone’s behaviour but at the same time, he’s a young kid and I wasn’t the best role model but he has held himself accountable.

“He knows it wasn’t the right thing to do. I can’t see him having the kind of personality where he will just say F you. He didn’t mean it or mean any harm.

“We will have to nurture him in our sport. It happens — I’m not saying it’s OK — but I can’t see him doing that again.”

For Kyrgios, just being able to smile on a tennis court is enough. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of stuff over the last couple of years,” Kyrgios said of his well documented struggles.

“But I’m not stressing much and just have been enjoying my tennis.”