CLUBS AND RACKETS

When he wants to play, when he is focused on what he’s doing, I think he’s a very important player for our sport, because he has a big talent and is one of these players that can be very, very interesting for the crowd.”

Rafael Nadal on younger, flashier opponent Nick Kyrgios, after beating the Australian 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (7-4) Monday to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals and get closer to a record-tying 20th Grand Slam title.

If I wasn’t to win, I didn’t want it to be because of me.”

Marc Leishman, after coming up with three big par saves on the back nine to hold on for a one-shot victory Sunday in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego.