Federer denies Kyrgios, will battle Nadal for Miami crown

Miami, April 1

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Roger Federer beat Australia’s Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (11/9) 6-7 (9/11) 7-6 (7/5) to set up a mouth-watering Miami Open final against Rafael Nadal.

Federer and Kyrgios produced an extraordinary range of shots in an enthralling, fiercely intense semifinal that kept a capacity crowd at Key Biscayne on the edge of their seats.

When Federer won the third tie-break a furious Kyrgios hammered his racket into the ground three times as the frustration of a remarkable near-miss came flooding out.

Kyrgios broke in the first set to go 4-3 up but Federer, with the loud crowd behind him, broke back to level at 5-5 when the Australian missed with an attempted big return. The big-hitting Kyrgios was frequently booed by the crowd for racquet throwing and language — and sometimes for very little — but appeared to be enjoying the role of pantomime villain.

The first set tie-break was a gripping affair with the Australian twice having set point before it was decided when his return went wide. The boos rang out again as he hurled his racquet in frustration.

The serve dominated more in the second set and with neither player able to break another tie-break was needed. Federer had match-point at 8-7 but found the net with his return. Kyrgios finally won the battle with an amazing crosscourt return to go 10-9 up, then followed it up with a thundering ace to force a third set. There was nothing to choose between the pair in a third set that went to yet another tie-break. Kyrgios was furious when a fan called out during one point, and Federer enjoyed two successful challenges late on his way to a win that sent the crowd wild with delight as Kyrgios went wild with rage.

No drama for Nadal 

There was little drama in Nadal’s 6-1, 7-5 win over Italian Fabio Fognini. The unseeded Fognini struggled to get going in the first set which was dominated by fifth-seeded Nadal and over with in 25 minutes. 

Sania-Barbora in final

Sania Mirza and her partner Barbora Strycova fought off a strong challenge from Martina Hingis and Chan Yung-Jan 6-7 6-1 10-4 to reach the women’s doubles final. Johanna Konta beat Caroline Wozniacki 6-4 6-3 in the women's singles final on Saturday. — Agencies

Paes in line for title at Leon Challenger 

Leon (Mexico): Leander Paes is in line to win his first title of the season, albeit on the Challenger Tour, with Canadian partner Adil Shamasdin. Paes and Shamasdin, seeded third, beat the Australian pair of Luke Saville and John-Patrick Smith 6-7 (1) 6-4 10-5 in the semifinals of the $75,000 hardcourt event. — PTI