Nick Kyrgios beats Stan Wawrinka to advance at Madrid Open

Australian Nick Kyrgios continued his impressive season with a 7-6 7-6 victory over fourth seed Stan Wawrinka at the Madrid Open.

The 21-year-old Australian reached the semi-final in Miami and having seen off clay-court specialist Guido Pella in the first round, followed that up with a straight sets triumph over the out-of-sorts Wawrinka.

The Swiss star has been below his best in recent weeks after starting the season with two tournament victories in the opening months of the year.

As a former French Open champion, Wawrinka's threat on clay is obvious but on Wednesday Kyrgios gained a first regulation win over the Swiss, coming through in two tie-breaks to book a place in the last 16.

Live ATP Masters Tennis

Kyrgios got a suspended 28-day ban and fine after making remarks about Wawrinka's girlfriend during their match at the Rogers Cup in Montreal last year, but the Australian has seemed a more focused individual this season, claiming his maiden ATP title with success in Marseille.

Elsewhere Kei Nishikori survived a major scare against Fabio Fognini - the Italian had chances in the final set to claim a surprise victory but the sixth seeded Japanese held his nerve to come through 6-2 3-6 7-6

There was also a win for David Ferrer who continued his return to form, although he needed three sets and more than two hours to overcome American qualifier Denis Kudla.

Next up for the Spanish ninth seed will be Tomas Berdych who enjoyed a routine win over Denis Istomin.

You can follow the action in Madrid on Thursday on Sky Sports 3 from 11am.