How Nick Kyrgios became first player in over 30 years to get walkover to Grand Slam final

| by Balasz Virag

After Rafael Nadal's injury and withdrawal, Nick Kyrgios reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the 2022 Wimbledon where he will meet Novak Djokovic.

The 27-years-old Australian continues to prove that the 2022 season is probably the best in his career and also with a bit of luck, he reached the first Grand Slam final. After winning five matches, he got a walkover in the semifinals and it was the first time in over 30 years that player has been granted a spot in the final without playing the semifinal match.

"When I was going through the most difficult period, he stood by me" - Djokovic on how Kyrgios earned his respect
"When I was going through the most difficult period, he stood by me" - Djokovic on how Kyrgios earned his respect

Last time that happened was at the 1992 Australian Open. The situation was very similar. Unseeded Richard Krajicek was supposed to play against no. 2 Jim Courier, who was trying to win his second Grand Slam title.

But back then, it wasn't the second-seeded who withdrew, but Richard Krajicek. After his withdrawal, the Dutch player's reasoning was similar to what Rafael Nadal said after he withdrew from Wimbledon.

"Because I couldn't play 100 percent, it would be almost impossible to beat him, and I could have made it worse. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. It was the chance of a lifetime to play the semifinals in a Grand Slam."

Richard Krajicek

While the 22-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, played plenty of Grand Slam semifinals, he also stated that it wouldn't be possible to beat the two opponents he was about to face with the injury that he had.

“I believe I cannot win two matches under these circumstances, I cannot serve. It is not only I cannot serve at the right speed, I cannot do the normal movement to serve. I don’t want to go out there and not be competitive. To be at this level to play to achieve my goal, there is a big chance to make things much worse.” 

Rafael Nadal
"If it was tennis vs tennis, Tsitsipas would win every time" - Philippoussis takes dig at Kyrgios
"If it was tennis vs tennis, Tsitsipas would win every time" - Philippoussis takes dig at Kyrgios

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