Nick Kyrgios reacts to 'epic' Rafael Nadal shot at US Open 2019 which left Tiger Woods impressed
Nick Kyrgios recently reacted to an 'epic' shot by Rafael Nadal at the 2019 US Open. The shot was so good that it even impressed American golfing legend Tiger Woods.
Nadal had a sensational run at the New York Slam in 2019. He overcame John Millman, Thanasi Kokkinakis, and Chung Hyeon in the first three rounds to set up a fourth-round meeting with old foe Marin Cilic.
In his encounter against Cilic, the Spaniard played incredibly well, putting up a tough fight and eventually winning after a four-set thriller. What drew everyone's attention, however, was a spectacular shot he made near the end of the match.
During the last set, with Nadal serving and the score standing at 6-3, 3-6, 6-1, 5-2, Cilic hit a cross-court volley, prompting the Southpaw to run across the court and stretch himself as far as he could to strike the ball.
The Spaniard's forehand shot then miraculously went around the net and landed inside the court, leaving the entire crowd awestruck, including Tiger Woods, who fist-pumped in delight.
Nick Kyrgios took to his Instagram stories on Monday (October 23) to react to this timeless classic. The former Wimbledon finalist wrote:
"Epic."
Second seed Nadal eventually went on to win the 2019 US Open, defeating Diego Schwartzman, Matteo Berrettini, and Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and final, respectively, to claim his fourth title at Flushing Meadows and 19th Major overall.
Rafael Nadal felt 'honored' to play in front of 'idol' Tiger Woods at US Open 2019
Rafael Nadal discussed having Tiger Woods watch him play in his victory speech after winning the 2019 US Open title.
The Spaniard said that it meant a lot to him to have the golfing legend's support and that he hoped they might play golf and tennis together one day.
"It means a lot to me to have him supporting. As I said, he’s an amazing inspiration, all the things that he accomplish in the sport, the way that he managed to keep fighting that hard," he said.
"Watching him on the golf course, has been an example, a real inspiration for me. (To) have him supporting and be able to be in touch with him very often for me is something that I am super happy and I hope one day we can play golf and tennis together," he added.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion then described it as a 'huge honor' to play in front of his 'idol,' Woods.
"It’s a huge honour playing in front of all of you and playing in front of Tiger is a very special thing. I always say I don’t have big idols but one idol is him and I always try to follow him," Nadal said.
The 37-year-old is currently out of tennis action due to an injury suffered during the 2023 Australian Open and is in the process of recovering. However, he intends to make a comeback at the Melbourne Slam next year if all goes well.