Nick Kyrgios has claimed a straight-sets victory over rival Casper Ruud at the Indian Wells Masters.
Ranked No. 132, the Australian was too strong for his world No. 8-ranked opponent, winning 6-4 6-4.
The pair have a fiery history, initially clashing when Kyrgios threw a chair onto the court during the 2019 Italian Open in Rome.
Ruud publicly called out Kyrgios after the incident, labelling him an 'idiot' and suggesting he deserved to be banned for six months.
Kyrgios added further fuel to the fire when he accused Ruud of 'stealing points' after the Norwegian won multiple ATP 250 tournaments on his favoured clay surface in Geneva, Gstaad, Bastad, and Kitzbuhel.
Nick Moves Forward ➡@NickKyrgios ousts Ruud 6-4 6-4 to set up a R4 encounter against Sinner!
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 15, 2022
Hasn't dropped serve all week...#IndianWells pic.twitter.com/SzXYUpetpn
In their third-round clash at the Indian Wells tournament, Kyrgios was a man on a mission, ruthlessly defeating Ruud in only one hour and 16 minutes.
He broke his opponent's serve early in both sets, converting both of his break points in a remarkably efficient showing.
The result is Kyrgios' first victory against a top-10 opponent since his triumph over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the ATP Cup in 2020.
Following the match, the 26-year-old did not mince his words, addressing Ruud directly.
"I hear no talking now, none. F----ing none ... nothing," Kyrgios said, looking down the barrel of the camera.
Kyrgios will next face Italian No.10 Jannik Sinner.
Fellow Australian Daria Saville is also having a strong tournament, progressing to the fourth round in the women's draw.
