So much for the Roger Federer vs. Nick Kyrgios quarter showdown.
Kyrgios withdrew from the tournament prior to his scheduled BNP Paribas Open quarterfinal date with Federer on Friday afternoon because of food poisoning. The 21-year-old Australian, who upset Novak Djokovic in the last 16, missed an opportunity to improve on his 1-0 lifetime record against Federer and his 4-1 combined mark against Federer, Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal.
“Unfortunately I am unable to play today due to sickness,” posted on Twitter. At this stage we think it’s food poisoning and I’m praying it’s nothing more. After a restless night of being sick I have nothing left and to play a great champion like Roger, I need to be at my best to have a chance.
“I don’t take this decision lightly, these are the matches we train for but I’m in no fit state to take to the court. I’m sorry to the fans that I’m unable to take to the court but I have to put my health first and I hope you understand. I want to wish Roger the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and thank every one for their support so far here at the BNP Paribas Open.
“I will definitely be back.”
Federer will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, when he faces Jack Sock in the semifinals. Sock won his fourth consecutive three-set match of the fortnight on Friday, taking out No. 4 seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.
“I was really looking forward to playing the match,” Federer told the disappointed crowd Stadium 1. “It’s a pity.”
Instead, the fans watched an exhibition match between Vasek Pospisil and tournament director Tommy Haas. Pospisil advanced to the third round as a qualifier, defeating Yen-Hsun Lu and Andy Murray in the main draw before losing to Dusan Lajovic in three sets. The Canadian dropped his set to Haas 6-4 on Friday.
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Fed in 2
How did NK not only sneak into the poll above but pick up 4 votes to win??