Rafa's Greek tragedy

Teenage sensation Nick Kyrgios dumped two-time champion and second seed Rafael Nadal out of Wimbledon to reach his first grand slam quarter-final.

The 19-year-old Australia-born son of a Greek father and a Malaysian mother condemned Nadal to a 7-6 (7/5), 5-7, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 defeat, completing three miserable years at Wimbledon for the Spaniard, a five-time finalist

The Canberra native got the better of the 14-time Grand Slam champion, and current world No1, to book a last-eight clash with Canada's Milos Raonic.

The remarkable win rubber-stamped Kyrgios's breakthrough season. He will leave Wimbledon having cut into the men's top 100 rankings for the first time, but he is by no means finished yet.

Nadal lost in the first round last year to Steve Darcis, a year after slumping to a second-round defeat by Lukas Rosol.

This year Nadal came to Wimbledon in prime fitness, reporting no issues with his long-troublesome knees, and boasting a ninth French Open title.

But, peak fitness or not, the 28-year-old from Majorca was unable to impose his usual grinding tactics as Kyrgios's powerful serve and high-octane approach prevailed.

Kyrgios admitted he gained motivation after hearing his mother Norlaila give an interview back in Australia admitting Nadal was the pre-match favourite.

"I saw an interview with her saying he was too good, which made me a bit angry - and that helped!" he joked.

"I think I was in a bit of a zone out there, I didn't really notice the crowd that much. I played extraordinary tennis. I got that break in the fourth set, served really well and I'm really happy.

"You've got to believe you can win from the outset, and I always do that, although he hit some unbelievable shots."

On a day of shocks Maria Sharapova, a hot favourite for the title after the exit of Serena Williams, was knocked out by inspired German left-hander and ninth seed Angelique Kerber 7-6 (7/4), 4-6, 6-4 in the fourth round.

The 27-year-old Russian has now failed to get beyond the last 16 at Wimbledon in seven of her last eight appearances., losing four times in the last 16.

Serena Williams, sensationally knocked out of the singles by Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, was at the centre of a major health scare when she appeared to be close to fainting in a doubles match with sister Venus before retiring after just three games.

Later yesterday, the WTA Tour said Serena was suffering from "a viral illness".