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Nick Kyrgios smashed several racquets in the match against Rafael Nadal
Photo:
RAY ACEVEDO/EPO
Tennis star Rafael Nadal remains undefeated this year.
The Australian Open champion won the tournament in Indian Wells 7: 6 (7: 0), 5: 7, 6: 4 against the deeply frustrated Australian Nick Kyrgios and advanced to the semifinals.
Kyrgios gave up the first set after a temporary lead at the end with a penalty point because he made a verbal mistake against a spectator.
After the end of the game, he threw his racket so hard on the ground that it flew across the field in a high arc.
A ball boy ducked away, afraid of getting hit.
Kyrgios denied any intention, the racquet had unfortunately jumped away after impact.
"I'm human, things like that happen," said the 26-year-old, who has often been punished for his emotional outbursts.
Kyrgios apologized to the ball boy, and he spread a corresponding dialogue via Twitter.
Nadal's opponent Alcaraz in Agassi's footsteps
After the 19th success in his 19th match this year, the 35-year-old world number one Nadal now meets his young compatriot Carlos Alcaraz in a duel of generations.
The 18-year-old eliminated last year's British winner Cameron Norrie 6: 4, 6: 3.
“It's hard to play against Rafa but at the same time I'll enjoy the moment and the game.
It's not every day that you play against your idol," said Alcaraz.
The Spaniard is the youngest semi-finalist in Indian Wells after Andre Agassi in 1988. The American even managed the feat at the age of 17.
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