Nick Kyrgios beat number 3 seed and twice Dubai finalist Tomas Berdych 6-4 6-4 in one hour and 27 minutes in the first quarter final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships to qualify for his second consecutive semifinal one week after clinching his maiden ATP title in Marseille. Kyrgios has extended his winning streak to eight matches.
Berdych and Kyrgios met for the third time this year. The Czech player won the first match in the third round of the Australian Open. Kyrgios took his re-match in the Marseille semifinal last week.
Kyrgios got an immediate break of serve before saving four break-back points in the second set to hold his serve in the second game. In the fifth game Berdych faced a break point after recovering from 0-30 down but he managed to hold his serve for 2-3. Kyrgios received treatment on his back after the fifth game. Kyrgios held his service games en route to clinching the first set in 45 minutes.
The second set went on serve until the ninth game when Kyrgios got his second break of the entire match to take a 5-4 lead. The 20-year-old Australian player earned two match points after a successful challenge on his own serve at 30-15. He served out on the first of his two match points with an ace. Kyrgios dropped just four points on serve and fired 10 aces in the second set. On the contrary Berdych did not convert any of the four break points during the match.
Kyrgios continues his great period of form one week after winning his maiden ATP title in Marseille last week.
“I wasn’t in great shape. I think I got a bit of food poisoning last night. I was really surprised with the performance I gave out there today to come out there and beat a quality player and in tough conditions. It’s probably my favourite win over the past couple of weeks. It’s tough especially with Tomas. He is diligent with everything he does. He is so professional. So for me to come out there and put in a great performance like that. I just took my chances when they came”, said Kyrgios.
Kirgyos will face either Stan Wawrinka or Phillip Kohlschreiber in tomorrow’s semifinal.
