Kyrgios to secure first grand slam seeding
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Australia is set to field three seeded players at the French Open, with Nick Kyrgios’ win over Roger Federer helping him to a career-high ranking.
Kyrgios surges to world No.30, boosted by his thrilling three-set victory over the Swiss world No.2 at the Madrid Masters last week.
It means the 20-year-old from Canberra is guaranteed his first grand slam seeding when the French Open gets under way in Paris on May 24, joining fellow Australians Bernard Tomic and 2010 runner-up Samantha Stosur.
• Kyrgios runs out of magic at Madrid Masters
• Kyrgios defeats Federer in stunning comeback
Kyrgios will arrive at Roland Garros high on confidence, having showcased his claycourt credentials.
Already at a career-high No.35 in the world after reaching his maiden ATP final a week ago in Portugal, he produced a stunning upset to knock Federer out in Madrid, in what he described as the greatest win of his career.
He is now the youngest player in more than a decade to have conquered both Nadal and Federer – his childhood idol – and the first to do so while both players were in the top 10.
Novak Djokovic was two months older when he completed the Nadal-Federer double five months before securing the first of his eight grand slam crowns at the Australian Open in 2008.
Australian Davis Cup captain Wally Masur has tipped Kyrgios’ big serve and powerful forehand to cause real damage in Paris, especially if the sun is shining.
Australia’s French Open stocks are looking relatively strong, with five direct entrants in the men’s field including Sam Groth and James Duckworth.
Casey Dellacqua, Jarmila Gajdosova, Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Gavrilova are also guaranteed spots in the main women’s draw.
Two Australians will be granted wildcards into the main draw under Tennis Australia’s reciprocal arrangement with the host federation.
Lleyton Hewitt won’t be lining up for a 15th tilt, the former world No.1 instead focusing on Wimbledon and the Davis Cup.