Enigmatic Australian Nick Kyrgios will be looking to continue his stunning run of form when he does battle with the great Roger Federer for a place in the Indian Wells quarter-finals. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 6am (AEDT).
Since being heavily criticised for his attitude in his loss at the Australian Open to Andreas Seppi, Kyrgios has reminded the world of his undoubted talent, producing some of the best tennis of his career over the past three weeks.
His run began at the Mexican Open in early March, defeating world No.2 Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champion Sam Querrey in the last form, and he’s only gotten better since arriving in California.
He showcased his trademark power and flair in a dominant display against fellow young gun Alexander Zverev in the third round, but it was his fourth-round demolition of Djokovic again that has got the tennis world talking.
It was a scintillating display from the world No.16, crushing the Serb with some unplayable serving – he hit 14 aces in all – and brutal forehands, and for the second time this month, Djokovic had no answer, going down 4-6, 6-7 (3-7).
However, there’s a reason the quarter Kyrgios landed in was dubbed the “Group of Death” before the tournament, and the tough opponents just keep coming.
Enter Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro’s 18th Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open has seen him jump back to ten in the world rankings, and that figure is sure to climb after some vintage form in the early rounds at Indian Wells.
Stephane Robert and Steve Johnson were no match for Federer’s all-round game, but his most significant triumph came in the third round over long-time foe Rafael Nadal.
The last time the pair met, it was a five-set epic at the Australian Open final, but Federer was in no mood for another instant classic, dismantling the Spaniard in just 68 minutes 6-2, 6-3.
Much like in Melbourne, Federer’s backhand looked in perfect working order, but even more impressive was his 26 winners against one of the best returners the game has ever seen.
Federer himself has noted similarities in Kyrgios’ fiery on-court demeanour to his own in younger days, and with the two men at the opposite stage of their careers, could this match issue in a changing of the guard?
Prediction
This match will go right down to the wire, but Kyrgios’ serving power will win him more free points off his own racquet, and with both men looking in supreme form, that may be the difference in the end.
Kyrgios in three sets.
With only Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori left of top eight players in this tournament, both Kyrgios and Federer will fancy their chances of going all the way – if they can emerge triumphant in this one.
Will Kyrgios knock out another Big Four member and serve his way into the semis? Or will Roger’s post-35 renaissance continue for another tournament?
Join The Roar from 6am (AEDT) for all the action from what promises to be a mouth-watering clash.
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