Nick Kyrgios overcomes ‘flat’ start and shoulder pain to reach Wimbledon quarter-finals

“I need a glass of wine for sure,” said Nick Kyrgios, after moving into only the third grand-slam quarter-final of his decade-long career.

Kyrgios had to go the distance against 20-year-old Brandon Nakashima of the USA – something that he probably would have preferred to avoid, given the shoulder pain that required a medical time-out in the second set.

In a contest of contrasts – the ice man against the maverick – the emotionless Nakashima seemed to be seizing control when he levelled the score at two sets apiece. But Kyrgios lifted brilliantly in the decider to close out his 4-6, 6-4, 7-6, 3-6, 6-2 victory with a gorgeous serve and volley.

Even though Kyrgios received a standing ovation at the end, he still put a finger to his ear to ask for more. There were times during the match when the fans had not known what to make of him. How can one care what happens to a player when he doesn’t seem to care himself?

But then, in the closing stages, Kyrgios finally shed his “am I bovvered?” demeanour. Now he began fist-pumping and celebrating in earnest. Now it seemed that tennis did mean something to him after all.

“It was rewarding,” said Kyrgios afterwards. “It was a really good mental performance today. I think I’m enjoying the battle a bit more.”

He didn’t always seem fully engaged. In the first set, he dashed so quickly and recklessly from one point to the next that, when he hit his serve, the applause would still be ringing out from the previous rally. But he was like a hulking Australian version of the girl with the curl. When he was good, he was very good indeed.

Sometimes you watch Kyrgios and see a man playing great shots, rather than great matches. In this mood, he feels like the embodiment of Instagram tennis: a walking highlight reel who doesn’t have the appetite for the long haul.

When he called the trainer to the court in the middle of the second set, we wondered if we were seeing this incarnation of Kyrgios’ multiple personalities. He needed attention on his right shoulder, which – as was very clear from his drooping, woe-is-me body language in that period – was causing him significant pain.

Later, he suggested that the aftermath of his epic and ill-tempered meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas on Saturday night had left him physically sore and mentally fried, to the point where he only began to feel fully himself when Monday’s match was on the line.

“I started off pretty flat,” Kyrgios admitted. “Well, maybe not flat – but I just felt like I wasn’t able to find the court.

“I woke up after Tsitsipas and had some shoulder pain. I’ve played so much tennis in the last month and a half, so I think that’s normal. It’s just something I manage. Mentally, I feel like I just deal with these things a lot better now. Obviously, I had to take painkillers.”

At the end of the fourth set, Kyrgios’ first-serve speed dropped from his usual levels of around 130mph to somewhere in the 70s. He was broken easily, throwing away the final point with a wild forehand error.

At the time, it felt like he was giving up the fight. One wondered whether chair umpire Nico Helwerth (who did an excellent job, incidentally) might have to speak to him. The grand slam rulebook insists that players must give their “best efforts”.

But Kyrgios explained his thinking during his post-match press conference. “[It was a] complete rope-a-dope tactic. I just threw away that service game. I knew he was in a rhythm. He was starting to get on top of me. I kind of just wanted to throw him off a little bit. It worked.”

Nakashima had delivered sturdy, unfussy, textbook tennis throughout. Playing in pristine whites that contrasted with Kyrgios’ backward baseball cap, he looked like a public schoolboy doing battle with a street urchin.

But then, when it came to the business end, Nakashima found himself floundering helplessly in Kyrgios’ slipstream. The stats were telling: 35 aces for Kyrgios against nine for his opponent, which helped to inflate a remarkable tally of 79 clean winners. It was a reminder that, for all his many peccadilloes, he is arguably the most talented player of his generation.

The satisfaction was written all over Kyrgios’ face as he slouched back in his interview-room seat, an hour or so later, and cast his eye around a room full of eager reporters. “To sit here in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, I’m extremely blessed,” he said, sounding as if he had been at the fortune cookies again. “I feel like I’m just comfortable in my own skin.”

Kyrgios geed up by raucous support from entourage

By Molly McElwee

All eyes were on Nick Kyrgios for any hint of a tantrum on Centre Court, but eagle-eyed viewers might have instead found distraction in his player box on Monday. Perceptive fans may have noticed Kyrgios’ nearest and dearest jumping to their feet with the frequency and energy of a group of in-sync Jack-in-the-boxes.

For someone who prides himself on not having a coach to answer to, Kyrgios, 27, had a 10-person entourage attempting to impart their energy into his game on Monday. It was needed, because he lacked any hint of competitive zeal for much of the early stages of his fourth-round match against 20-year-old Brandon Nakashima. Ahead of playing a high-quality fifth set, he made every attempt to look like a man who would rather be doing anything else.

But as much as he tried to keep up the pretence, one look up at his team showed just how much this actually means. Kyrgios was playing for a place in his first major quarter-final in more than seven years and the reactions from his family and friends betrayed just how big a deal this was – regardless of his poker face.

He said coping with being the favourite on Centre Court was part of why they were so zoned into his match. “For about an hour and a half I felt like I couldn’t play as free or play as consistent as I’ve been playing,” he said. “I feel like my team kind of knew that I was a bit... obviously being the favourite there today, it’s a different feeling to how I’ve been walking out there usually.”

Among them was girlfriend Costeen Hatzi, friend and physiotherapist Will Maher and Kyrgios’ sister Halimah. His father Giorgos also led the charge in his box, after coming to Kyrgios’ defence over the weekend. He accused the All England Club officials of being “hypocritical”, after they did not default Stefanos Tsitsipas for hitting a ball into the stands during his third-round match against his son.

After a weekend which saw Kyrgios branded a “bully” by Tsitsipas, and receive over $14,000 in fines, his team upped the support tenfold on Monday. Every ace got a standing ovation. Every winner had the same treatment. Even many of Nakashima’s errors drew their applause. No matter how the point was won, they were on their feet. By the fourth set, they were practically giving him a standing ovation for every single point won.

For Kyrgios’ standards, his match was largely uneventful and he commended his own emotional restraint and strength during. His family’s unwavering support was part of what pushed him to get over the line, even when he was suffering from shoulder trouble and had long stretches where his motivation looked nonexistent.

“In the closing moments when I look at them, there’s a million thoughts racing through my head,” he said. “I just think about everything prior to leading up to this moment. And I’m talking years of things that are racing through my mind. When I look at them, it just gives me – even if it's one per cent, two per cent of stability in that moment, it helps. They deal with a lot of s---, that’s for sure, from me, but they always support me. It just goes such a long way.”

Nick Kyrgios vs Brandon Nakashima, as it happened:

05:36 PM

Thanks for following along

Fiona Tomas' report from Centre Court will be above the line very soon.

05:30 PM

Meanwhile, there's outcry as activists wearing 'Where is Peng Shuai?' T-shirts warned by security

Read more here. 

05:25 PM

A reminder of our men's quarter-finalists

• Novak Djokovic

• Jannik Sinner

• Cameron Norrie

• David Goffin

• Cristian Garin

• Nick Kyrgios

• Taylor Fritz

Kyrgios and Goffin are the only unseeded players still in the competition. Our final round of 16 match is Rafael Nadal versus Botic van de Zandschulp, which will take place on Centre Court after Simona Halep versus Paula Badosa.

As we speak, Halep is 2-1 in the opening set.

05:20 PM

Elsewhere in the round of 16

In another US-Australian clash, American and Eastbourne champion Taylor Fritz made light work Jason Kubler, beating him 6-3 6-1 6-4 in just two hours.

05:16 PM

Kyrgios was impressive

He may have believed he could have played better, but his deepest run in a grand slam since 2015 says otherwise. What was certainly impressive was his control. Kyrgios wasn't as wasteful as he can be, and he capitalised well when building on breaking Nakashima's serve.

Combine that with Cristian Garin's incredible comeback from two sets down against fellow Australian Alex De Minaur, and there's a fascinating quarter-final to look forward to.

05:07 PM

Kyrgios' winning point

05:00 PM

Kyrgios speaks:

"Let's f------ go!" Kyrgios yells after winning his final point.

He takes a breath, and is interviewed on-court:

Kyrgios also reflected on his previous wins at the tournament, including against Rafael Nadal, during his performance this afternoon.

He then learnt that he would be facing Cristian Garin in the quarters, rather than compatriot Alex De Minaur:

But Kyrgios was adamant that he wasn't going to rush thinking about his next match, suggesting other tasks on his agenda for this evening:

04:52 PM

Kyrgios is through to the Wimbeldon quarter-finals..

A rather subdued celebration from Kyrgios, who cups his hands around his ears as if to encourage the crowd to cheer even louder.

Rapturous applause for Nakashima as he leaves Centre Court. That was a spirited performance from the American.

04:49 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 2-6 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A nervy start as Nakashima goes love-30 up. Kyrgios teases a delicate slice over the net and Nakashima hurtles towards the ball, gets his racquet on it and dinks it back over, before Kyrgios opens his body up and angles a stinging cross court forehand.

Nakashima then slumps a backhand into the net, 30-30.

Kyrgios sends down an ace, 40-30. Match point.. can he take it? Faults on the first serve.. lands the second, Nakashima returns feebly and the Aussie smashes down a volley.

GAME SET MATCH KYRGIOS!

04:45 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 2-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

This is not the time to double fault, but Nakashima does exactly that at 15-15. He makes amends by firing a forehand winner, 40-30 and keeps is cool to seal it...

04:42 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-5 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios starts badly, planting a forehand return into the net. Someone from the crowd shouts, 'Come on Nick, use that shoulder!' A ripple of laughter ensues.

Kyrgios delivers another ace..he's taken five games in a row. Nakashima will serve to stay in this match.

04:40 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios is now a double break up! He has upped the intensity and is now starting to take control in this decider after capitalising on a flurry of Nakashima errors. He's saved the biggest celebration so far for that winner, turning around to his entourage and fist pumps.

It's a long way back now for Nakashima, who is going to have to conjure up something special here.

04:35 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios holds to 15, closing it out with another ace. He's never lost a five-setter at Wimbledon..

04:31 PM

An update via our chief sports reporter Jeremy Wilson

Todd Woodbridge, commentating for the BBC, accused Kyrgios of "tanking" the final game of the fourth set.

04:31 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-2 Kyrgios  (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios' game has become peppered with a few errors, although he notches up his 100th ace of the tournament and levels, 30-30. He then gets a game point with a magic drop shot on the volley, but Nakashima replies with a backhand down the line and hauls it back to deuce.

'Put it away!' one Australian spectator shouts out. Kyrgios audibly rasps as he responds with a forehand winner. Advantage to the Aussie.. and this time he capitalises! He has the break - but he can't resist muttering a few words to the umpire for his own bad challenge.

04:24 PM

Elsewhere around SW19...

Kyrgios' compatriot, 19th seed Alex de Minaur, is out after being overpowered by Christian Garin in a five-set epic.

Garin becomes the first man to come back from 0-2 sets down to win at this year's Wimbledon, beating Alex de Minaur 2-6, 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-4, 7-6(6).

04:21 PM

Fifth set: Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3, 1-1 Kyrgios  (*denotes next server)

A few echoes of 'Come on Brandon!' ripple around Centre Court, as Kyrgios produces a deft slice over the net which sends Nakashima flailing. Nakashima tries his luck with one of his own in the rally that ensues, but Kyrgios comes charging up the court like a bull on a mission and fires a stinging forehand winner inside the line. The Aussie then takes charge by unleashing his serve which spins hopelessly off Nakashima's racquet.

04:16 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 6-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Nakashima takes the fourth and we're going to a fifth! Kyrgios has lost his focus a bit and has thrown that away.

04:12 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 5-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakashima has spring in his step now, despite being pushed to deuce.

Both players engage in another lengthy rally and it's Nakashima who comes out on top as he has the advantage after Kyrgios shanks a forehand return behind the baseline.

04:09 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 4-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

A period of very loose play there from Kyrgios. He splays two shots wide in quick succession to gift a precious break point to Nakashima - first a shot behind the baseline followed by forehand which falls wide and the American seizes his chance. He keeps his cool as he engages in a long rally with Kyrgios, camping him along the baseline with some beautiful strokes, before Kyrgios can no longer stand it and he pushes a forehand wide! 

Nakashima celebrates with a simple fist pump. He's done it.

04:04 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 3-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A phenomenal backhand return off Nakashima's serve keeps Kyrgios sniffing a break at 40-30....but he then plants a subsequent return into the net. The trickery has dried up from the Aussie, who perhaps is beginning to realise he needs to put his thinking cap on if he is to break Nakahshima here.

03:59 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 2-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios slams down an ace at 107mph at 40-15 to hold, sits down in his chair, and takes a swig of some blue liquid. Looks like Gatorade. Whatever treatment he received on his shoulder earlier seems to have stabilised him.

03:56 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 2-2 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Nakashima lets out a groan as he splays a forehand between the tramlines while 30-0 up, but eventually comes through to seal the game.

03:54 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 1-2 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios easily holds, taking every ounce of energy from his team, who are jumping up and down again, egging him on.

03:50 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 1-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakashima is pushed all the way to deuce by Kyrgios in his opening service game of this fourth set.

A captivating rally breaks out which sees Kyrgios spring into the air and smash down a jumped forehand, only for Nakashima to eventually win the point. He eventually clinches it with a stunning cross-court winner at the net.

03:44 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-7, 0-1* Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Can Kyrgios use the momentum to close out this game? He's started the fourth set pretty solidly, starting proceedings with an ace, before slumping a backhand into the net.

A rare double fault ensues from Kyrgios - he's only done that twice today - but he soon levels and sends Nakashima hopelessly swiping at a return with some exquisite play towards the baseline.

03:40 PM

Cameron Norrie to play his quarter-final on Court One

Let's check in with Jeremy Wilson, who has an update on tomorrow's order of play:

03:37 PM

Aussie support on Centre Court

03:36 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-7 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

A double-fault from Nakashima extends Kyrgios' lead in the tie-break. The Aussie leads 6-2, meaning he has four set points and he needs no second invitation. He continues to dominate with his powerful serve before sealing the third set with an almighty cross court forehand winner!

03:31 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-6 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Nakashima produces a brilliant backhand winner which falls perfectly inside the court - that was really pretty good.

Kyrgios responds by hammering down an ace to lead  2-1, before producing another at 4-2 as the players change ends.

Let's see what our resident tennis writer, Uche Amako, has made of that third set:

03:28 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 6-6 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios gold to love and.... we're going to a tiebreak to decide this one.

03:24 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 6-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Who's going to break in this crucial third set? Every time Kyrgios wins a point his entire entourage stands up and wildly applaud their man. They're going to have sore quads if they keep on doing that.

At 30-30, Kyrgios splays a backhand wide. That was a massive chance but he's spurned it. Nakashima then strokes a delicious slice over the net which the Aussie has no chance of retrieving... that was fine play their from the American.

03:21 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 5-5 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Error from Kyrgios as he strokes a backhand wide down the line. Nakashima seizes upon the mistake and goes 15-30 up.

A rendition of 'Come on Nick!' breaks out among the crowd, before Kyrgios has Nakashima on the ropes, stretching him across the baseline before smashing down an overhead lob. That's arguably been his best point in the match so far. The crowd show their approval with rapturous applause... they want more.

03:16 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 5-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A feisty rally - one of the longer ones we've seen so far in this match - breaks out and it's Nakashima who comes out on top after Kyrgios pushes a cross court backhand agonisingly wide. He challenges the call - prowling the back line and looking down at his shoes as he awaits the verdict - but it's well wide.

Some solid serving from Nakashima puts the Aussie on the back foot, before he tries a delicate slice which looks destined to fall just over the net but it dips on the wrong side. Nakashima holds.

03:12 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 4-4 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Whatever the problem is, Kyrgios is playing on through the pain. He goes 40-love up, before splaying a forehand wide which he makes up for with another ace.

03:10 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 4-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakashima holds to love, as Kyrgios touches his shoulder again in between points. Both players take a sit down and the physio is back on court, furiously rubbing the problem area again under an umbrella.

03:07 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 3-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

The Aussie stands up and paces to the back of the court and the Centre Court crowd give him a cheer. There's no way they'll want to see him retire from this one. He gets on with the business, whipping a tenacious forehand winner cross court, 30-love. He seems to be taking a bit more time ow in between serves, most likely due to his shoulder. Nakashima pulls it back to 30-30 after the Aussie shanks a forehand beyond the baseline, followed by a red-hot ace, 40-30. It's then Nakashima's turn to wallop the ball beyond the baseline.

02:59 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 3-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A routine service game from Nakashima.

The Aussie slumps two backhands into the net - shoulder is giving him gip again. Another backhand error gifts Nakashima the hold.

Kyrgios hunched over his racquet while trailing 40-15 and feels his right shoulder. The physio has been called onto the court.. and is now receiving a medical timeout.

02:56 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 2-2 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Three mammoth aces from Kyrgios, who holds to love. His serving arm is like a spaghetti string - the flexibility  defies the amount of power he is able to produce. Nakashima can't get to grips with it.

02:52 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-6, 2-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Kyrios gets lucky with a return that trickles over the net and just about stays inside the tram line, but enjoys less fortune as he wallops a forehand well wide. Nakashima isn't giving this one up easily.

02:50 PM

Third set: Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6, 1-1 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Nakashima holds to love easily, before Kyrgios does exactly the same.. in about two minutes. He looks a bit more invested in this match all of a sudden.

02:47 PM

Let's check in with  Uche Amako again..

02:46 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 4-6 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios recovers from a double fault to take the second set!

The Australian readjusts his hat before serving at 30-15. Nakashima responds well and astutely lands a forehand winner right on the line, which Kyrgios can only return into the net.

Kyrgios serves up a another ace, 40-30, before closing out the game.. and set! Nakashima is going to try and crack his almighty serve if he's going to land himself a place in the quarter-finals.

02:42 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 4-5 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios' movement doesn't look 100% .. or is Nakashima just completely locked in the moment? He's only ever played one slam quarter-final before - at Wimbledon in 2019 -  but looks quite at home out on Centre Court.

Nakashima fires down an ace 40-15, before dinking a delicious drop over the net. Kyrgios reacts too late and can only return into the net.

02:36 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 3-5 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios gets things underway with two quick-fire aces, before sending a cross-court forehand return long, 30-15 and then pummels the ball into the net, 30-30.

He lets out a roar as he sends down a 137mph ace, 40-30... and then thumps down another! That shoulder doesn't look to be causing him too much trouble.

02:33 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 3-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakshima goes 15-love, 30-love up as Kyrgios sends a forehand return long.

A 111mph ace down the court from Nakashima, who really isn't showing any sign of nerves, but he then hammers a forehand return into the net, 40-15, before wrapping things up with a forehand winner.

Kyrgios stomps back to his chair as both players take a break.

02:29 PM

Some analysis from our tennis expert Uche Amako on Kyrgios' shoulder..

02:28 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 2-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A pretty routine service game there for Nakashima, who is determined to go toe-to-toe with his Australian rival here as he thunders down an ace, before following it up with a sumptuous drop shot.

02:25 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 1-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

This time it's Nakashima's turn to bring his drop volley slice.. but Kyrgios outclasses him with an underarm return through his legs! The crowd really loved that one. This is what they're here for.. a bit of showmanship from the charismatic Australian.

02:24 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 1-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

15-0, 30-0 Kyrgios with two mammoth serves that Nakashima can do nothing with, before the Australian invites his opponent to the net with a delicious drop volley as he effortlessly seals the game.

02:22 PM

Nakashima 6-4, 1-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A break for Kyrgios!  If his shoulder is causing him pain, he's not letting it impact his game right now. Another double fault from Nakashiae cost him there, before a forehand flies wildly off his racquet.

02:15 PM

Nakashima* 6-4, 1-1 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

More lively play from Nakashima, who pushes his opponent to deuce with a couple of fiery returns. Kyrgios seems to be moving his shoulder there.. is it sore? He doesn't seem too unperturbed though and holds after taking the advantage.

Someone from the crowd has just shouted, 'Come on Stefanos!' That was a bit rogue.

02:12 PM

Second set: Nakashima 6-4, 1-0 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakashima is feeding off the adrenaline on Centre Court..

Kyrgios strokes a backhand beyond the baseline as Nakashima draws first blood in this opening service game of the second set.

More from Pat Cash on BBC 5 Live, who sums it up pretty nicely:

02:08 PM

Nakashima* 6-4 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Wow, Kygrios' service game went to pot there! Nakashima takes the opening set!

Some subime returns from the American puts pressure on the Kyrgios serve, and we have three break and set points.

Kyrgios responds with an ace, before firing a forehand long.

02:05 PM

Nakashima 5-4 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A series of strong serves from Nakashima and he's 40 love up, before another double fault, 40-15.

Pat Cash has made a lot already of the way Nakashima has applied himself so far in this opening sat - here's him talking on BBC Radio 5 Live:

02:02 PM

Nakashima* 4-4 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios kicks things off with a 108mph serve - a pretty tame one by his standards - before coasting at 40-15. No underarm serve this time around..

01:59 PM

Nakashima 4-3 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

A pretty routine service game for Nakashima, who shows real composure to come through a couple of patient rallies unscathed, 40-15.

01:55 PM

Nakashima* 3-3 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Someone whistles in the crowd as Kyrgios goes 30-love up.  This guy really isn't hanging about today - the speed at which he's delivering his serves is quite ridiculous, as he sends a searing forehand winner down the court which Nakashima doesn't even bother chasing.

01:53 PM

Nakashima 3-2 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Two better serves from Nakashima sees Kyrgios bundle returns into the net, before shanking another long. He then sends a ballooning forehand down the court which wrong foots Kyrgios. Nakashima holds to love. That was much better from the youngster.

01:50 PM

Nakashima* 2-2 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios holds breezes to 40-love with a series of quick fire serves and then... produces an underarm serve! It unexpectedly trickles over the net and out. The crowd really loved that one - this is why he's here.

The Australian then teases  Nakashima with a delicious forehand slice at the net as he closes out the game.

01:48 PM

Nakashima 2-1 Kyrgios* (*denotes next server)

Nakashima tries his luck in stretching Kyrgios across the baseline and gets a bit lucky as Kyrgios wallops a forehand wide, 30-15. He then struggles again to return Nakashima's serve. Oops, then the young American double faults, 40-30.

An impromptu roar from a line judge as the youngster hits another serve long, which prompts a giggle in the crowd. Kyrgios has pulled this one to deuce., takes the advantage.. before Kyrgios misses a forehand return.

Bit of a loose service game there from Nakashima.

01:42 PM

Nakashima* 1-1 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Kyrgios shanks a forehand long, 30-15. He then makes amends by sending a searing forehand cross court, before wrapping up proceedings. The Australian was virtually taking no time in between his serves there...

01:40 PM

First set: Nakashima* 1-0 Kyrgios (*denotes next server)

Three missed service returns there from Kyrgios, but a solid start to this match from the young American.

01:37 PM

Kyrgios has just warmed up an underarm serve..

But he lost the coin toss. Nakashima to serve first.

01:34 PM

Play to begin soon

The July sun is streaming onto Centre Court, as both players begin their warm-up.

01:31 PM

The players walk out

Nakashima first, followed by Kyrgios, who is sporting his baseball cap back to front.

01:30 PM

It's nearly showtime!

We’ll be bringing you all the action live from Centre Court this afternoon as headline human Nick Kyrgios takes on 20-year-old Brandon Nakashima in the fourth round.

Following his fiery third-round clash over Stefanos Tsitsipas - who called him a “bully” with an “evil side” on Saturday night - Kyrios was granted a Centre Court billing for this one, as he bids to reach his first Wimbeldon quarter-final since 2014.

On paper, it should be pretty plain sailing for big-serving Kyrgios. Nakashima is a rising star of men’s tennis and is enjoying his deepest run at a slam.

Unsurprisingly, Wimbledon’s show court is already filling up fast for this one...

01:23 PM

De Minaur wins his serve to reach 4-4 in the third set

Having worked efficiently through all his opponents so far in this competition, only dropping that solitary set to Liam Broady, the Australian will be looking to finish off the third set in a similar fashion. Garin has been working optimistically through the third set, but De Minaur has looked sharper throughout.

01:20 PM

17th seed Elena Rybakina

... is three games up in the first set, out on Court No. 1, having broken the opening service game of Petra Martic.

01:12 PM

De Minaur draws level

Garin plays a forehand straight down the line forehand to De Minaur which looks unplayable, but De Minaur slides to strike his return over the net and past Garin's racquet.

The game reaches its third deuce as Garin attempts to bring the set back under his control. De Minaur wins the third advantage after Garin nets, swiping the air furiously with his racquet in frustration.

De Minaur wins the game to make it three all in the third set after Garin hits the net again.

01:06 PM

De Minaur breaks Garin

After a striking start to the third set which saw Garin go three games ahead in the second set, De Minaur inches back into the set with a break to bring the score to 3-2.

01:02 PM

A snapshot of Nakashima

Although the less well-known of today's Centre Court openers, Nakashima is worth considering. Having turned professional in 2020, the 20-year-old had his deepest run in a grand slam at this year's French Open, reaching the third round, and on grass, reached the round of 16 at Eastbourne and the quarter-finals in the Surbiton Trophy.

Interestingly, both times, Nakashima went out to British players: Cameron Norrie at Eastbourne, and Andy Murray in Surbiton.

12:49 PM

Ostapenko/Kichenok take the second set

The fourth seeds beat Watson/Dart 6-4 in the second set. The Britons fought back after Ostapenko and Kichenok sprinted 4-1 ahead, winning the next three games, but the match will be played into the third set.

12:45 PM

De Minaur leads Garin going into the third set: 6-2, 7-5

The players reach deuce after De Minaur serves his first double fault of the match. The players rally from the baseline, both pressing each other deep, and De Minaur thinks the advantage is his after Garin slips to return his forehand - instead, De Minaur sends the ball into the net. De Minaur wins the second advantage, then the third, Garin pushing him back each time, until Garin makes his 24th unforced error to hand De Minaur the set.

12:38 PM

Why Novak Djokovic looks unbeatable on grass as he chases Sampras, Borg and Federer record

Jeremy Wilson examines the aspects of Djokovic's game which make him a worthy favourite for this year's championship.

12:33 PM

Garin breaks again

It's five all in the second set as De Minaur pulls off break through gritted teeth to keep De Minaur from winning the second set. To reach love-forty Garin plays an inch-perfect backhand which just bypasses the tip of De Minaur's racquet, and moments later, the Chilean wins the game.

Next game is a must-hold.

12:31 PM

'Divisive' proves a shade insubstantial as a description for Kyrgios

12:28 PM

De Minaur breaks back

And extremely quickly too. Going onto his serve, he reaches 40-0 in aggressive fashion. De Minaur then leaves a shot from Garin which the umpire and line judges fail to call out but Hawkeye shows us - out. Garin then wins on his serve, but De Minaur is once again serving for the set.

12:19 PM

Garin's turn to break

Garin wins his eighth break point of the match to finally break De Minaur's serve, and make it three all in the second set. De Minaur had a small hand in it with a shot which ended up in the net, but Garin finally allows himself a smile, looking to wrestle momentum from the Australian's match-long control.

12:16 PM

Happy Birthday to a three-time Wimbledon champion

12:09 PM

Pat Cash accuses Nick Kyrgios of 'cheating and gamesmanship' at Wimbledon

Read more here. 

12:05 PM

Watson and Dart win the first set

The Britons were able to pull ahead as the set came to a close, after Ostapenko and Kichenok broke back at 5-5.

12:01 PM

Garin misses break opportunity

Garin began the second set well, winning his opening service game with a zest and efficiency that had been lacking from the first set, and in the second game, reached forty-love quickly. But De Minaur resisted, and climbed his way up to deuce to win on his serve at the first advantage.

Quite a demoralising moment for Garin - let's see how he responds at 1-1.

11:59 AM

Blue skies ahead

Unlike last week, which was beset with weather-related interruptions, every day this week - at present - looks to be as suitable for grass court tennis as today.

11:52 AM

De Minaur takes the first set

The 20th seed wins the first set 6-2 in what has been a quite one-sided match so far. De Minaur has only lost one set in the competition - to Britain's Jack Draper.

Garin, by contrast, has made 16 unforced errors today, nine of which have been on his forehand. A lot to do in the second set for the Chilean.

11:46 AM

A Kyrigos match without theatre? Impossible

11:44 AM

De Minaur breaks Garin again

The game re-set to deuce three times before De Minaur gained the advantage pinning Garin to the back of the court for him to net the ball. De Minaur wins the game after looping the ball over Garin at the net, for it to land squarely in behind the Chilean.

Another break for De Minaur, and he's serving for the first set.

11:40 AM

In the women's doubles

Great British duo Heather Watson and Harriet Dart are 5-4 up in the first set against Jelena Ostapenko and Lyudmyla Kichenok, who are ranked fourth. Serving now, they've just broken the Ostapenko/Kichenok serve on Court No.3.

11:35 AM

De Minaur pulls ahead

De Minaur goes 4-2 up in the first set again Garin, having broken Garin a second time since that opening game.

Garin is struggling a little with his vision, having had eye-droppers from the physio during the change of ends at 3-2. Pointing at the grass, he might be suffering with hayfever.

A nightmare for any grass court player, I imagine.

11:28 AM

That quarter-finalist? Nick Kyrgios

Kyrgios will be looking to match that achievement, and progress for a deepest-ever finish in a grand slam.

11:20 AM

Our quarter-finalists so far

Today's singles competitors are questing for a place in the quarter-finals, but Sunday's action - for the first time in the history of the tournament - has already given us a handful of quarter-finalists. They are:

Men's quarter-finalists: 

• Jannick Sinner

• Novak Djokovic

• Cameron Norrie

• David Goffin

Women's quarter-finalists: 

• Jule Niemeier

• Ons Jabeur

• Tatjana Maria

• Marie Bouzkova

In what felt like a glimpse into the future, 20-year-old Sinner defeated 19-year-old starboy Carlos Alcaraz and Djokovic sent home Dutch wildcard Tim van Rijthoven, who was enjoying a glittering run off the back of his defeat of Daniil Medvedev which won him the Rosmalen Championship.

Ons Jabeur, the world No. 2, is in flying form, now one of the heavy favourites in the tournament after French Open champion Iga Swiatek was dispatched by Alize Cornet.

11:12 AM

They're under way on Court No. 2

Australian Alex De Minaur, the boyfriend of British No. 3 Katie Boulter who went out against Harmony Tan in the third round, is one game up against Cristian Garin. De Minaur, who beat Britain's Liam Broady in the third round, broke the Chilean's opening service game with minimal fuss.

11:02 AM

Getting ready for day eight

10:56 AM

Good morning

Hello and welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of day eight at Wimbledon.

Nick Kyrgios' 1.30pm clash against the unseeded Brandon Nakashima is the showpiece Centre Court tie of the first afternoon going into week two of the competition, as the world No. 40 continues his barnstorming run through the championship. As anticipated, his performance at Wimbledon thus far has garnered no little controversy.

After being fined $10,000 for spitting on a spectator in his first round match against Paul Jubb, Kyrgios was labelled a "bully" with an "evil" streak by Stefanos Tsitsipas, who Kyrgios defeated in four sets on Saturday night to make it into the second week.

Kyrgios, who is also unseeded in this year's tournament, has never played the American Nakashima, who is ranked 56th. Nakashima has had a comparatively simpler run to reach the round of 16, defeating 261th-ranked Nicola Kuhn and 109th-ranked Daniel Galan, his biggest test coming against 13th seed Denis Shapovalov, who he bested 6-2 4-5 6-1 7-6 (8-6). By contrast, after a five-set victory over British wildcard Paul Jubb, Kyrgios defeated 27th-seed Filip Krajinovic in straight sets before his nail-biting thriller against Tsitsipas, who was seeded fourth.

Later this evening, Rafael Nadal will play Botiv van de Zandschulp for the second time this summer, after meeting in the third round of the French Open. The 2022 French Open winner dispatched van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-2 6-4 on his route to the championship, and the Dutchman will no doubt be seeking revenge.

We will be bringing your game-by-game coverage of Kyrgios versus Nakashima, but before that starts, there will be updates from Elena Rybakina and Petra Martic, and Jason Kubler versus eleventh-seed Taylor Fritz on Court No. 1, and Cristian Garin versus Alex De Minaur, and Alize Cornet against Ajla Tomljanovic on Court No. 2.

It's set to be an exciting start to the second week of Wimbledon 2022, so make sure to follow along with us.