NICK Kyrgios is convinced he has the "tools" to knock his friend Andy Murray out of Wimbledon on Centre Court today, even though he feels the famous SW19 arena has become the Scot's "backyard".
The 21-year-old Australian, who booked his place in today's fourth-round encounter by completing a 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-3, 6-4 win against Feliciano Lopez on 'People's Sunday', was defeated by the World No 2 at the three other Grand Slams during 2015 but feels the grass courts of Wimbledon offer him his best chance.
Novak Djokovic's defeat to Sam Querrey has opened up this year's tournament, but this controversial native of Canberra also includes himself in the list of players who now think they can win the title.
Read more: Murray faces friendly fire against Kyrgios as SW19 draw opens up
While the pair meet frequently on Playstation and on the practice courts, Kyrgios was victorious when the pair met at the Hopman Cup, the early season exhibition event in Brisbane, back in January.
"As soon as Novak loses, you look at Andy and you look at Federer's eyes light up," said Kyrgios. "They think that their chances probably doubled. But a lot of people in the locker room now believe they can win it.
"If the stars align and they're playing well, there's a lot of people that can go get it. I rarely walk into a tournament and don't think I can win it. I've definitely got the tools to beat him. I definitely feel like he's beatable. He's only human."
Both men accept the schedulers have handed the World No 2 a serious advantage. While Murray has played on Centre Court every two days as planned, progressing without dropping a set, rain delays mean Kyrgios will be playing for the fourth straight day when he walks on court.
"It's a huge advantage, I think," said Kyrgios. "He's obviously comfortable there - it's like his backyard. But this is probably my best surface, my best chance to beat him."
"Physically, I would imagine he will be ok," said the Scot. "But mentally it is a bit more tiring than the physical side. When he weather is like this it’s an advantage to play on Centre because you know you’re gonna get your matches done."
Roger Federer, the next highest remaining seed, was quick to claim that Djokovic's exit puts additional pressure on the Scot. "Now all that pressure shifts to a lot of other guys, particularly Murray, maybe myself and others," he said. "It’s an opportunity but that can also play tricks on some players’ minds."
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