Slick Murray downs Kyrgios as title expectations grow

The second-seeded Scot’s straight sets win over a risky opponent maintained his standing, following the shock third round exit of world number one Novak Djokovic, as the bookies’ odds-on favourite to lift the Challenge Cup again on Sunday.

Murray was just too good and too focused for the entertaining but reckless Australian, winning 7-5 6-1 6-4 in just an hour and 43 minutes.

Murray, who has now beaten Kyrgios at all four grand slams over the past 18 months while conceding just one set, didn’t win his first grand slam title under he was 25 and said time was on the Australian’s side.

Aussie tennis great Mark Philippoussis has weighed in on the Nick Kyrgios Wimbledon saga, and “The Scud” certainly didn’t mince words. “Obviously, the closer you get, the more people start to think there’s a chance you can go all the way”.

Murray has now reached the quarter-finals at 20 of the last 21 Grand Slam tournaments he has played – the only hiccup his fourth round loss to Kevin Anderson at last year’s US Open -while his tally of 50 wins at the All England Club is bettered by only seven players in the Open era.

“I’m hoping he sees the writing on the wall before this becomes chronic, irreparable, because to me it’s getting to that point”.

McEnroe added: “He’s got to look in the mirror if he wants to become a top player and win slams”.

“I stacked the dishwasher, that’s kind of my job, and otherwise pretty much just help out with the family”.

“I think it was by far my best match”.

And then, as if to provide a concrete example of where things stand for him, he explained how he got ready to face the No. 2-seeded Murray on Centre Court. “Steve has picked up a lot of confidence in the last few weeks and he has a nice game for grass but I think I mixed it up well”.

And in the second game of the third set, Kyrgios could only raise his arms in disbelief as his powerful forehand down the line came back as a drop shot victor. I didn’t even know I was playing for that. I feel like I know what to do but it’s hard to actually go out there and execute against such a player like him.

Australian Mark Philippoussis has told Nick Kyrgios to consider his future if he does not love the sport. “They’re just striving to get better and better, and he’s certainly done that”.

“You can learn from the matches you play against him, but every match is different in individual sport and if you put in a bad performance you can easily lose. If I played as focused and as solid as I did today, I have a chance”.

Out of the blue, though, Murray conjured three set points after luring Kyrgios to the net before cracking a scorching backhand crosscourt victor to have the Australian down 5-6 and love-40. I mean, I know that I have the talent to do good things.