Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios actually played a set that did not go to a tiebreaker for the first time in their careers, but a third-set ‘breaker still had to separate them–again–in the Mercedes Cup semifinals on Saturday afternoon.
In their third head-to-head showdown (all best-of-three), Federer and Kyrgios contested their seventh and eighth tiebreakers as the Swiss survived 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(5) after one hour and 51 minutes. Federer had previously prevailed 7-6(9), 6-7(9), 7-6(5) at last year’s Miami Masters, while Kyrgios pulled off a 6-7(2), 7-6(5), 7-6(12) upset at the 2015 Madrid event.
Only in the second set did this one deviate from the norm. Kyrgios threw in two straight double-faults to get broken at 1-1 before all but mailing in the remainder of the middle frame.
In a seemingly inevitable third-set tiebreaker, the two competitors took turns leading by mini-breaks. Kyrgios seized an early advantage only to see Federer gain the upper hand, but the world No. 2 sent a forehand well past the baseline at 5-4 to bring his opponent back on level terms. With the Aussie serving at 5-6, Federer chipped a low backhand return to set up what proved to be the final blow–a clinching backhand pass.
“I’m very happy; very relieved,” said the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who will return to the No. 1 ranking next week. “I thought it was a tough match (like) I expected against Nick. We’ve played so many breakers already, I’m losing count. It was close. It could have gone either way, naturally. But I’m happy I got it and get back to world No. 1 next Monday, so it’s very exciting. And I’ve got another final, so it’s great news.”
Up next for Federer is Milos Raonic, who defeated Lucas Pouille 6-4, 7-6(3).
“It would mean a lot to me to win Stuttgart, no doubt about it,” the top seed assured. “I’m really excited to play Milos. He’s in great shape again. It’s nice for him, and I hope we can play another great match and I’m really excited to be in the final here.”
Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNLr_dHWU7A
Raonic fired 19 aces while double-faulting just twice in his victory over Pouille. The Canadian faced–and saved–only one break point while advancing in one hour and 34 minutes. Pouille dropped serve just once, but he won a mere 41 percent of his second-serve points compared to 91 percent when he put his first delivery in the court.
“It’s a really positive step forward for me; I’ve played good tennis this week,” Raonic noted. “I’m very happy with myself and I hope I can continue to improve my level tomorrow…. I’ve done my job. I’ve taken care of my serve and I’ve tried to create pressure on my opponents. I haven’t faced many break points so far this week.”
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more Fed-Nick matches, please
why do you delete my posts?
The difference between grass and clay court tennis is magnified when these two play; they both play so quickly. Although the average rally length was only three shots, they played a few amazing points. On another note, it’s incredible that Kygrios doesn’t double-fault more often, given how fast and well-placed his second serve is. He’s got to have the best second serve on tour, at least when he’s playing well.
why does Joe get to post his thought but not me?
okay so just nonsense from me is allowed. thanks
I like Fednick’s too.
let’s see if this passes