Roger Federer battled past Nick Kyrgios in an epic three-hour semi-final at Miami Open on Saturday. Federer won the high-octane clash 7-6(9), 6-7(9), 7-6(5) in an encounter that lasted for 190 minutes. The pair have only met once previously with Kyrgios beating the Swiss man at the Madrid Open in 2015. The clash saw momentum shift at regular intervals with the Swiss eventually prevailing after three tie-breakers and will now face Rafael Nadal in the final.

“Thank you guys, that was a nice atmosphere. It’s a great feeling to play like this, and it was close from the beginning. He’s on such a good run, he’s such a great player, so it was a special feeling”, Federer said post-match “I kept fighting and believing, tried to stay aggressive … it was a nailbiter and could have gone either way.”

Advertisement

Talking about his clash with Nadal, who he beat at the Australian Open final and Indian Wells final this year, Federer said the task wasn’t an easy one. “I think back to 2004, I just came off winning Indian Wells and I played the youngster Nadal, and I ended up losing. You could tell he was definitely going to win the French. The following year we played in the final and I should have lost, somehow I won, he should have Miami titles and he doesn’t, so it’s going to be super special playing against him in the final,” said Federer, who is on a three-match winning streak against the Spaniard.

Nadal eases past Fognini

Nadal beat Italy’s Fabio Fognini 6-1, 7-5 to enter his fifth Miami Open final on Saturday. Nadal was completely dominant during the entire duration of the match as he outclassed the Italian in all departments. Nadal has been in exquisite form during the tournament losing only one set, his opening round bagel against German Philipp Kohlschreiber in round three.

“My serve worked well,” Nadal said. “I think I didn’t face a break point during the whole match, so that is something that I am very happy with. That gives you calm when you have opportunities on the return and you don’t convert.”

Sunday’s final will see Nadal trying his luck yet again to win the title. The Spaniard has reached the final in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014. Nadal will also be aiming to win his 29th Masters 1000 crown when he faces Federer. “It’s great to be in the final... For me, doesn’t matter the opponent. I am happy to be in that final again, and I am excited to play another final of an important event,” Nadal said.