Nick Kyrgios has pulled out of his scheduled clash with Roger Federer at the ATP Masters event in Indian Wells due to sickness.
The Australian, ranked 16th in the world, had beaten second seed Novak Djokovic in the round of 16 to set up a quarter-final against Federer but was unable to take to the court after a troubled night.
"Unfortunately I am unable to play today due to sickness," he wrote in a statement posted to his Twitter feed.
"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 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 everyone for their support so far here at the BNP Paribas Open. I will definitely be back. Thank you."
Federer tweeted his support to Kyrgios, stating: "hope you feel better."
Kyrgios' withdrawal spoiled the highly-anticipated match with Federer, with neither player having dropped serve in the tournament.
"It would have been a great match, I was really looking forward to it," Federer told fans waiting for the match on stadium court. "It's a pity."
"But that's how sport and tennis works. Hopefully I'll play a good match tomorrow."
Federer will now face Jack Sock in the semi-finals after the American defeated world No.5 Kei Nishikori, for the biggest singles victory of his career.
World No.18 Sock finally broke through against a top-five ranked opponent, the 6-3 2-6 6-2 win his first after losing seven matches against such competition.
Federer, a four-time winner at Indian Wells, beat Rafael Nadal in the fourth round in a high-quality performance.
"I'm playing great tennis and I didn't expect it because I'm still on the comeback," said Federer, who won his record 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January after being sidelined by various injuries for much of 2016.
"To be away that long was really difficult but to be back on court feeling normal again is so nice," Federer said.
"I feel happy and fresh. That translates into playing freely, taking chances with nothing to lose."
In the top half of the draw, Swiss world No.3 Stan Wawrinka will be a heavy favourite to advance to the final when he plays Spaniard Pablo Carrena Busta.
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