Nick Kyrgios is vowing to keep his head down after confirming his status as a grand slam champion in waiting.

Kyrgios drew rich praise even in defeat for his class and sportsmanship in his pulsating semi-final against Roger Federer at the Miami Open.

But the 21-year-old has also convinced some of the game's greats, including six-time grand slam champion and former world No.1 Boris Becker, that he's on the path to major glory after a sustained run of excellence on the ATP Tour.

After claiming more top-10 scalps than anyone other than Novak Djokovic in 2016, Kyrgios has taken his game to new levels this season.