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Federer next as Kyrgios crushes Djokovic

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios has beaten Novak Djokovic for the second time this month to earn a quarter-final shot at Roger Federer in Indian Wells.

Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios
Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios (pic) has beaten Novak Djokovic for the second time this month. (AAP)

Nick Kyrgios is buzzing after upstaging Novak Djokovic for the second time in a fortnight to set up a quarter-final blockbuster with Roger Federer in Indian Wells.

Continuing his rich vein of form, Kyrgios defeated the world No.2 and three-time defending champion 6-4 7-6 (7-3) on Thursday to power into the last eight of the Masters 1000 event for the first time.

Kyrgios struck 14 aces, 25 winners and didn't face a single break point in repeating his stunning victory over Djokovic earlier this month in Mexico.

"It feels good. I knew what I had to do today. It was always going to be tough; he is a great champion," said the Australian No.1.

Eyeing his third semi-final showing in as many tournaments, Kyrgios is yet to drop serve in three matches this week.

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Djokovic had been riding a four-year, 20-match winning streak in the Californian desert and hailed his third-set display against Juan Martin del Potro in the previous round as his best tennis of the year.

But he had no answer to Kyrgios' awesome firepower and sublime touch, the flustered Serb obliterating his racquet and receiving a code violation after losing the first set and constantly berating himself as the match slipped away.

Federer was just as impressive in dispatching great rival Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-3 in just 67 minutes.

In a rematch of the Australian Open final, Federer broke Nadal four times to record a third-straight win over the Spaniard for the first time in a decade.

Kyrgios beat Federer in their only previous meeting two years ago in Madrid.

"Roger is one of my favourite players of all time," said the 15th seed.

"(But) it's just another match for me. I have to get ready for tomorrow.

"I am serving really well. That is creating chances for me to put pressure on their service games.

"My mentality is improving and I am trying really hard to fight for every point and just compete."

Kyrgios or Federer will play fourth seed Kei Nishikori or American hope Jack Sock in the semi-finals.

Nishikori cruised past Donald Young 6-2 6-4, while Sock defeated Malek Jaziri 4-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-5 in his fourth-round match.

World No.3 Stan Wawrinka was two points away from following Djokovic out the exit gates but battled hard to beat lucky loser Yoshihito Nishioka 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7-4) to book a quarter-final date with eighth seed Dominic Thiem, a 6-3 6-2 victor over Gael Monfils in the late match.

Pablo Cuevas upset 11th seed David Goffin 6-3 3-6 6-3 and Pablo Carreno Busta beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4 7-6 (7-5) to set up the most improbable of quarter-finals.


3 min read

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Source: AAP



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