Nick Kyrgios' message to girlfriend after bizarre Wimbledon first
Nick Kyrgios has thanked girlfriend Costeen Hatzi after becoming the first player in history to advance to the Wimbledon final via walkover.
Rafa Nadal made the shock decision to withdraw from Wimbledon ahead of his semi-final showdown with Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear.
'UNFAIR': Nadal's shock Wimbledon act sparks divisive 'lucky loser' debate
OUCH: Rafa Nadal doubters humbled after horror Wimbledon injury drama
That meant Kyrgios is now the first Australian in the men's Wimbledon final since Mark Philippoussis lost to Roger Federer in 2003 in what was the Swiss maestro's first of 20 grand slam successes.
Kyrgios also became the first male player to ever reach the final at Wimbledon due to a walkover in the semi.
And to celebrate the 27-year-old's remarkable achievement, his girlfriend Hatzi praised Kyrgios for his dedication.
"Finals of Wimbledon. This is insane," she wrote, with a picture of the two from Wimbledon.
"I love you & we all can't wait to see you out there with all our support.
"When you have the right people around you anything is possible."
Kyrgios quickly responded to the message.
"My baby, what a ride it's been," he wrote on Instagram, with a picture of the two from Wimbledon.
"Why not one more? I love you."
Nick Kyrgios makes history at Wimbledon
Kyrgios is set to face either World No.3 Novak Djokovic or British star Cameron Norrie.
The Australian has won his only two previous encounters with Djokovic, both in straight sets on hard courts in 2017 at Indian Wells and Acapulco.
However, the pair have never met at a grand slam.
Djokovic is seeking his fourth consecutive Wimbledon title and his 21st grand slam trophy.
The Serb said he has extra motivation at this year's Wimbledon because of the unlikelihood he will compete at the US Open due to the border restrictions on unvaccinated visitors.
Kyrgios trails Norrie 2-1 head to head, having lost twice to the Brit in Atlanta, in 2018 and last year, and beaten him at the ATP Cup in Australia in 2020.
However, Kyrgios is in the form of his life and all eyes will be on the enigmatic Aussie when he takes to Centre Court in the final.
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.