Tennis: Nick Kyrgios is after world ranking points in Washington but will have to wait to progress

Nick Kyrgios was on his way to another win in the US before lightning struck.

Nick Kyrgios will have to wait to continue his charge in Washington. Picture: Rob Carr/Getty Images/AFP

Nick Kyrgios was on his way to securing a quarter-final berth at the Citi Open in Washington before play was called off because of lightning.

The Wimbledon runner-up was a set up and winning 2-1 in the second against Reilly Opelka when a weather warning forced play to be suspended before ultimately being called off.

After chair umpire Renaud Lichtenstein said “Ladies and gentlemen, the game is suspended”, Kyrgios walked to the bench and could be seen shrugging and saying “Why?”

Kyrgios was then shown in conversation with match officials about the decision.

Tournament rules mandate that play has to be stopped if there is lightning within seven miles (11km). After waiting some time, Kyrgios eventually headed to the locker room, with his match to continue on Saturday.

Play is cancelled for the evening.

Updated schedule to come.#CitiOpen

— Citi Open (@CitiOpen) August 5, 2022

Playing his first singles event since Wimbledon, having pulled out of the draw in Atlanta last week citing knee soreness before going on to win the doubles with Thanasi Kokkinakis, Kyrgios has also entered the Montreal Masters next week in a strong indication of his fitness heading into this month’s US Open.

After his first round victory at the Citi Open, the Australian star said he felt like he was playing tennis that far exceed his world ranking of 63, a number he was very keen to improve, knowing the benefits of being seeded at majors.

“My ranking has never sort of reflected my game. That‘s also due to the schedule I play,” Kyrgios said.

“But, you know, I feel as if all these matches are so crucial. As I didn‘t get any points from Wimbledon, I’m trying to stay locked in, and I feel if I had points from Wimbledon I wouldn’t have that pressure of forcing myself to kind of win these matches.

“But in a way, it’s good because I’m still putting in some really good performances. But as I said, I think I’m trying to get my ranking up a little bit more to a point where I don’t have to play two matches to be in the third round of a 500. A bye would be nice.

“And I definitely feel like I’m playing that top tennis anyway.”