At the cost of a dazed and confused Stefanos Tsitsipas, Nick Kyrgios and his distinctive brand of mayhem stormed into the fourth round of Wimbledon.

Tsitsipas, the fourth seed, had won the first set but was on the verge of a nervous breakdown an hour later, distracted by the latest antics of tennis’ ‘enfant terrible.’

Also read: Wimbledon 2022: How the Kyrgios-Tsitsipas dramatic encounter unfolded

A 6-7 (2) 6-4 6-3 7-6 (7) victory for Australia’s world number 40 does not convey the full tale of a tumultuous contest. After smashing a ball into the audience and narrowly missing a spectator, Kyrgios demanded that his opponent be forfeited.

It was the first major match of this year’s Championships, but it had the feel of a three-ring circus at points.

“Honestly it was a hell of an atmosphere and an amazing match,” declared Kyrgios. “I felt like I was the favourite coming in. I had my tactics. It was a hell of a match. He was getting frustrated at times, but it’s a frustrating sport. Whatever happens on the court, I love him.”

The first set began very calmly, with Kyrgios putting in a near-flawless exhibition of serving, including an under-armer between the legs. Kyrgios had only dropped four points behind his serve before losing his way in the tie-break as Tsitsipas pulled ahead.

Also read: Why Tsitsipas was booed by Wimbledon crowd during match with Kyrgios

In the meantime, Kyrgios wanted a new line judge after one incorrect judgement and protested to spectators about another official before serving, causing Tsitsipas to walk back to his towel amid mock boos from the crowd.

But, at this point, it was more PG than X-rated, and some of the tennis both men were playing was spectacular. Tsitsipas had a rare chance to break Kyrgios at 4-4, but a second serve ace swiftly snuffed it out.

Also read: Who is Nick Kyrgios?

The next game exemplified Kyrgios perfectly: a code penalty for swearing, followed by a sensational winner from a Tsitsipas overhead to take the second set. The sublime quickly devolved into the ludicrous, with Tsitsipas angrily slamming a ball into the stands to receive his own warning and Kyrgios insisting on being defaulted.

While Kyrgios clashed with everyone, Tsitsipas went to the bathroom, returned, and grumbled about the towels’ placement. When the match finally resumed, Kyrgios broke for 3-1 with a zinger forehand winner.

Also read: Who is Stefanos Tsitsipas?

When Kyrgios held with another underarm serve, Tsitsipas lost his cool and lashed out at the ball, earning a point deduction. As Tsitsipas yelled angrily at the umpire, Kyrgios stood on the baseline, seemingly naively humming as if butter would not melt.

He was bowing to the audience moments later after striking a drop shot on top of the net, before it fell on Tsitsipas’ side to help seal the third set and sum up the Greek’s luck. The roof was closed as the clock approached 9 pm, and when play resumed, Kyrgios smashed an ace to send the fourth set to a tie-break.

It was a thrilling finale punctuated by a drop shot, a raucous celebration, and confirmation that Kyrgios’ tour will continue into the second week.