Nick Kyrgios earns respect of Channel 7 MC Craig Willis

NICK Kyrgios was knocked out of the Australian Open by Andy Murray but touching moments before and after the match proved he’s earned respect.

The moments that proved Kyrgios has arrived

HE PROBABLY didn’t notice because he had his headphones on blaring hip hop, but Nick Kyrgios earned a vote of respect as he walked out for his quarterfinal against Andy Murray.

As the 19-year-old Aussie entered Rod Laver Arena, veteran Master of Ceremonies Craig Willis introduced him as “The wonder from Down Under”.

That alone might not seem like much, but according to freelance tennis writer Courtney Nguyen it was a big deal.

It seems Kyrgios had requested to be introduced that way at the Sydney International earlier this year, but according to Nguyen, was told by Willis: “You have to earn that, young man.”

@christophclarey True story: Nick asked Craig to do it in Sydney. Craig said “You have to earn that, young man.” Earned it.

— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) January 27, 2015

After Kyrgios received early love from Willis, Murray was also in a giving mood.

A mood to give a masterclass in the nuances of professionalism, that is.

But, after posting a clinical 6-3 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 victory, the Scot lavished praise on 19-year-old Kyrgios, urging the Australian public to be patient and tolerant.

“Try not to put too much pressure on him,” said Murray, on centre court after Kyrgios had left Rod Laver Arena.

“He’s going to need time to develop and he’s doing a good job.

“He’s got a world-class serve, he has a great serve with an easy motion. He’s an incredible talent.

“He could be a little more intense at times but not many people have done what he’s done at that age.”

Kyrgios congratulates Murray.

Too polished, professional and calm, Murray cannily exploited weaknesses in the young Canberran’s game and mind to reach the Melbourne Park semi-finals for the fifth time.

His triumph was based on marginal gains. Minimising errors and maximising opportunities were the hallmarks.

Murray produced 48 winners and 28 unforced errors to Kyrgios’ 36 and 38.

The Wimbledon and US Open winner will face Czech Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals, while Kyrgios departs to reflect on a rollercoaster campaign.

It was not all gloom for the 19-year-old who is the first teenager to reach two major quarter-finals since Roger Federer in 2001.

He is also guaranteed a rankings rise to No 35, a career-high mark.

And defeat will be softened by a $450,000 pay cheque, pushing Kyrgios earnings beyond the million dollar mark.

Kyrgios leaves the court to loud applause.

Watched by Australian tennis titans Rod Laver, Roy Emerson, Neale Fraser and Ken Rosewall, Kyrgios was exposed by Murray’s ruthless attention to detail.

Murray’s game is based on guile - angles, spin and pace changes - and incredible consistency.

Defensive suffocation is how the Scot preys on opponents, sapping their legs by making them play an extra shot.

And he has few peers at drawing unforced errors.

From 30-0 at 2-3, and apparently cruising, Kyrgios obliged Murray with five unforced errors to drop serve.

Thereafter, he was running in quick sand and he struggled with his emotions, tossing his racquet and earning a code violation for an audible obscenity.

The Scot sealed the first set in 32 minutes with only two unforced errors to stamp his authority.

Murray celebrates moving on to the semis to face Tomas Berdych.

The second set was much tighter as both men struggled to impact on return.

Inevitably, a tiebreak was required to settle it.

Mirroring earlier momentum swings, Murray gained an edge for 2-0, Kyrgios counter-attacked to serve for a 5-3 lead only for the Briton to douse the young Australian.

But he had to produce high skill to do so.

Wondrous lob winners, either side of an Kyrgios’ unpenalised racquet mangling, shunted the Scot to a two-sets-to-love lead.

For the third time in five matches, Kyrgios would have to do it the hard way.

But unlike the escapes against Federico Delbonis and Andreas Seppi, there would be no miracle in the face of Murray’s unstinting professionalism.

He clinically stalked his young foe and snaffled another service break in the sixth game of the third set as Kyrgios complained of back soreness.

Kyrgios raised hopes of a revival when Murray netted a backhand to surrender the break,.

But his resurgence was snuffed out instantly as Murray broke once more.

The reigning Olympic champion did not muff his lines a second time, expertly closing out the match after 2hrs,5mins.