Australia’s Nick Kyrgios might be one of the most formidable players currently on the tour, but he isn’t getting too carried away ahead of his semifinal meeting with idol Roger Federer.
The world No.16 booked the last four showdown after outlasting Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-7(9), 6-3, in a two-and-a-half-hour thriller. Thursday’s clash between two of the rising stars of the men’s game featured some breathtaking shots, including a series of memorizing tweeners.
When one tweener is simply not enough!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/fK3RgvKwhP
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 30 March 2017
Besides the humour demonstrated by the two, frustration was evident throughout the encounter with the prize of a semi final place in a Masters 1000 tournament lurking. Unable to convert a trio of match points in the second set, Kyrgios prevailed on his sixth chance in the final set after a serve down the line was returned out by Zverev.
Firing 34 winners in the match compared to his opponents 23, the triumphant Australian praised his good friend Zverev following his win.
“I knew from my warmup I had to get a good warmup in. I respect his game. He’s beaten some of the best players in the world. I know that I can’t bring 75% or 80% of my game. I have to bring 100%.” Said Kyrgios.
“That’s what I did it today and I got over the line. As I said, we’re going to play a lot more times. And he’s only going to get better. He’s 19 years old. So I’ve got a couple years on him as well.”
Federer awaits
The reward for the 12th seed is a clash against Federer, who also experience an epic three-set quarter-final match. It was a meeting that was scheduled to occur two weeks ago in Indian Wells before Kyrgios withdrew due to illness.
Already producing back-to-back wins over former world No.1 Novak Djokovic earlier this season, a logical Kyrgios is keep grounded about his chances. Calling the 35-year-old Swiss ‘the greatest of all-time,’ he believes he knows what to expect in their upcoming encounter.
“Obviously he’s the greatest player of all-time, but the way that he takes time away from players, that’s his strength. He likes to play his pace of tennis. He likes to take away time and play aggressive. He obviously like to play really aggressive on return. Likes to get through his service games very quick. Serve and volley.” He exaplined.
“I know what’s going to be coming. I’ve played him before.”
A Federer win on Saturday is far from certain against the fierced 21-year-old. Kyrgios is the one lead their head-to-head. At the 2015 Madrid Open, he stunned the entire tournament by overcoming Federer in three close tiebreaks. That milestone win was achieved with the help of his powerful shot-selection, a tactic he intends to utilize in Miami.
“I’m going to serve big and play big. That’s my game style that I’ve had success with, so that’s what I’m going to bring.” The former Wimbledon quarter-finalist declared.
Since the introduction of the Miami tournament in 1985, an Australian has never won the singles title. Kyrgios is just two wins away from ending the drought. To do so, he may have to win a final clash against nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal. It is a mouth-watering prospect for his country, but the animated rising star is taking it in his stride.
“I don’t know if my chances are great to play Federer and possibly Nadal, two of the greatest tennis players of all-time. I made the semifinals last year and I thought my chances were probably better. I’m not thinking ahead at all.” Admitted Kyrgios.
Kyrgios’ tactic of ‘playing big’ is one that has already won him an army of fans in America. The variety of his shots inspires many, but it remains to be seen if it is enough to end Federer’s 10-match winning streak.
