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France's Cazaux in sight of Kyrgios landmark at Australian Open / Photo: © AFP
France's Cazaux in sight of Kyrgios landmark at Australian Open
France's Arthur Cazaux insisted Saturday he was feeling no pressure as he bids to become the first men's wildcard since Nick Kyrgios at Wimbledon in 2014 to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final.
The 21-year-old continued his stunning Australian Open debut by upsetting 28th seed Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets to make the last 16, celebrating by high-fiving French fans on court.
Cazaux beat eighth seed Holger Rune in the second round and will next play ninth seed Hubert Hurkacz.
"I knew I could play this kind of level, but I had never proven it in a real match," said the Montpellier native.
"Now I'm not feeling any pressure. I've worked very hard on my mentality and I'm ready to fight everyone, I'm ready to fight in every match and to give everything on the court."
Cazaux has surged 39 places through the rankings this week to 83 and is projected to break into the top 60 if he defeats Hurkacz.
He had not progressed beyond the first round in three career major appearances before.
"You know, I'm here to give everything on court," he said.
"I can play sometimes bad, sometimes I play good. It doesn't matter. The only thing important is to give everything on court. That's my rules."
N. Lebedew--BTZ
