Nick Kyrgios puts on an absolute clinic to set up US Open blockbuster

Nick Kyrgios put on an absolute clinic in his third round match at the US Open as he continues his charge at the grand slam.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 02: Nick Kyrgios of Australia celebrates after defeating J.J. Wolf of the United States during their Men's Singles Third Round match on Day Five of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 02, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Nick Kyrgios is into the fourth round of the US Open for the first time after putting on an absolute clinic against J.J. Wolf on Saturday (AEST).

The Aussie was untouchable as he cruised to a 6-4 6-2 6-3 victory in just under two hours with minimal fuss.

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The result sets up a likely clash with World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev in the round of 16, which looms as the match of the tournament and could well decide the eventual winner of the US Open.

Kyrgios is in red-hot form coming off his run through to the Wimbledon final and betting agencies have him listed as one of the top contenders to win the entire tournament in New York.

Tennis fans were impressed with his professional win over Wolf and were salivating over the prospect of a match against Medvedev.

Former American player James Blake tweeted: “That was a tremendous and professional performance by @NickKyrgios playing like an absolute champ in a tough environment.”

Nick Kyrgios. Very good first week

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) September 3, 2022

All business there from @NickKyrgios bring on a likely Medvedev match and the bright lights on Arthur Ashe #USOpen#Kyrgios

— Paul Johnson (@pjohnson_sports) September 3, 2022

Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios is routing JJ Wolf over on Armstrong. If Daniil Medvedev wins tonight, it sets up the match of the tournament - and maybe the de facto final - on the men's side Sunday.

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) September 3, 2022

Kyrgios beat Medvedev in their most recent meeting at the Canadian Open.

Nick Kyrgios was on fire against J.J. Wolf. Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images/AFP

His composed performance in the third round was in contrast to his typically volatile display in a four-set win over France’s Benjamin Bonzi on Louis Armstrong court earlier this week.

Kyrgios appeared to aim a mouthful of spit in the general direction of his box and then dropped several F-bombs at his team. He was then fined AU$11,000 for “spitting and audible obscenities”.

He also complained to the umpire that he could smell marijuana smoke in the crowd.

The erratic match has seen tennis icon and notorious bad boy John McEnroe speak out about Kyrgios’ greatest weakness — an overwhelming fear of failure.

McEnroe has repeatedly lamented perceived cases of Kyrgios wasting his talent and continues to suggest the 27-year-old’s mental struggles are the only thing holding him back from being a force in tennis.

“Everyone is looked at like, how close to reaching your potential do you get, maximising your potential,” McEnroe told The New York Post.

“That’s always the goal of any athlete. All athletes have fear of failure. It’s how do you handle that?… In Nick’s case, as we all do, we all have fear of failure, it’s his way to try to take off some of the pressure. Unfortunately, at times, it’s not allowed him to compete to his best, he stopped competing.”

Nick Kyrgios in New York. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP.

Kyrgios has admitted to tanking matches when he’s been bothered, particularly recently, when he said he’s “literally thrown tennis matches” when his favourite team, the Celtics, lose. Just as quickly as he dazzles fans with between-the-leg shots, he unravels in disturbing fashion.

It’s clear Kyrgios’ emotions hold back his performance. That fear of failure and inner-pressure, McEnroe explained from his own experience, manifests in misplaced anger toward others. How an athlete deals with those emotions often dictates that elusive evolution from ability to achievement.

“Fortunately, recently, it looks like he’s found a good spot in his life, and he’s doing a much better job at that,” McEnroe said.

“Nick moves the needle, he’s a great young kid. The players like him, the fans like him, he brings something to the table. He’s the most talented player that’s been out there in the last 10 years, bar none. So you want to see a guy like that maximise his potential. It would be a shame if he didn’t.”

The draw at Flushing Meadows opened up for Kyrgios and he has not faced a seeded opponent. However, reigning champion Daniil Medvedev will be waiting for him in the fourth round if he gets past Wolf.