News : Wimbledon 2019: Rafael Nadal wrestles his rival Nick Kyrgios

French Open winner Rafael Nadal has survived the eagerly awaited second-round duel with Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon. The number three Spaniard defeated the provocateur Australians, with whom Nadal has a personal feud, in a contested match 6: 3, 3: 6, 7: 6 (7: 5), 7: 6 (7: 3) , Next opponent for Nadal is now the Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

"He's one of the toughest opponents you can play against," Nadal said after the game over Kyrgios, "it was a tough game." Although sometimes it is not easy to endure, as Kyrgios performs in the field, but then Nadal even complimented: "He has the potential to win a Grand Slam," he said.

The 18-time major winner had already conceded three defeats in six duels with Kyrgios, including a 2014 in the second round of Wimbledon. Most recently, he lost in the spring at the ATP tournament in Acapulco, then he criticized Kyrgios for his behavior on the tennis court.

The 24-year-old was already several times by rude behavior during matches negative. In addition, Nadal also displeases his occasional serves from below. The Spanish world ranking second perceives this service variant as disrespectful.

This time Kyrgios held back with provocations and contributed with a strong appearance his part to make it an excellent tennis game. "It felt like the final," said Nadal.

Kyrgios was pleased with his game, but also made it clear that he would not change in the future: "At the end of the day it's tennis," said the Australian. "Is it really that important? Not for me, I'm certainly not the most professional player, but I will not train day in and day out."