Kyrgios defeats his idol despite being stage-struck in presence of movie star

Nick Kyrgios boosted hopes of a home winner at the Australian Open by beating his childhood hero Jo-wilfried Tsonga in the third round at Melbourne Park, proving the stronger in the big moments to win 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 7-6 (8/6), 7-6, (7/5).

Kyrgios, right, attended the 2008 tournament, when Tsonga reached the final, as a 12-year-old fan and took a ball to each of the Frenchman’s practice sessions to get autographed.

“It was amazing,” said Kyrgios. “I’d never won a match on this court. Playing Jo I was very nervous. He was a guy I looked up to as a kid, still do.”

Kyrgios felt added tension because Hollywood star Will Smith was court-side. “I was so nervous when I saw him,” said the 22-year-old. “People think I’m cool but I just wanted him to think I was the coolest person ever.”

Rafael Nadal looked in ominous form in a crushing 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 win over Damir Dzumhur to reach the last 16. He has yet to drop a set and has put concern about the state of his knees firmly behind him. “I needed hours on court, hours of practice, hours of playing sets with different players,”said Nadal. “I think I did a good preparation here. I felt myself playing well.”

Things were tougher for third seed Grigor Dimitrov, .who battled past 30th seed Andrey Rublev 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 and faces Kyrgios next.

Caroline Wozniacki and Elinasvitolinaavoidedmoredrama to reach the fourth round of the ladies singles but French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko was knocked out by Estonian Anett Kontaveit who won 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.

The only two former grand slam champions left in the draw, Maria Sharapova and Angelique Kerber, clash in the third round today.

Wozniacki scored a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Kiki Bertens and next plays 19th seed Magdalena Rybarikova, who battled to a 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Kateryna Bondarenko.

Svitolina ended the run of her 15-year-old Ukrainian compatriot Marta Kostyuk with a 6-2, 6-2 win. The world No 4 is the only seed left in her quarter of the draw and next faces Czech qualifier Denisa Allertova.

Kontaveit will meet Carla Suarez Navarro while Croatian Petra Martic takes on a rising talent of the women’s game in Belgian Elise Mertens.