Kyrgios and Zverev put on a show for the ages in Miami

Top 20 standouts Nick Kyrgios and Alexander Zverev showed that the show of tennis entertainment will survive long after the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. They put on a theatrical display in Thursday night’s quarterfinal at the Miami Open with Kyrgios winning 6-4, 6-7 (11), 6-3.

From the beginning, Kyrgios wanted the starring role and he warmed up with karaoke tennis.

In the fifth game, the charismatic Aussie whipped up two tweeners in one point that might have mesmerized his opponent into a blown tap putaway. Kyrgos responded with a consoling pat on the shoulder.

Cruising along with a set in his pocket, Kyrgios revved up the crowd with an audacious passing tweener that kissed the sideline.

The tension was weighing on Zverev and he chose to break the spell by snapping his racket.

The 19-year-old German clawed his way back, fending off three match points in the tiebreaker and pulling the rip cord on a gorgeous floating lob for 10-9.

It was hardly surprising that the subsequent point ended with Kyrgios failing to convert a defensive tweener. Zverev wagged to the crowd; this wasn't over.

Once again, Kyrgios concocted another highlight with both a tweener and lob followed by a celebratory side shuffle (starting at 1:24).

The match was an awesome display of raw talent from both players complete with primal screams, racket bounces and astounding shots. Zverev’s grit saw him come up with incredible saves for six total match points. He’s only getting stronger with one big match after another, but it's Kyrgios that has a shot at his first ATP Masters 1000 final.

Showman or tennis savant? There’s no denying that he could soon be the sport's leading man. But will he break out the trick shots against Federer in a semifinal with a victory on the line? Find out on Friday night.