Roger Federer vs Nick Kyrgios Tennis Prediction
Nick Kyrgios sets up a blockbuster semifinal clash with Roger Federer by securing a three-set win over 2017 runner-up Feliciano Lopez on Friday, 6-4 3-6 6-3. He scored a similar three-set win over Maximilian Marterer in the round of 16 earlier this week, 6-4 4-6 6-3.
This is only the Australian’s fifth tournament (on tour) of the season and first since reaching the quarterfinal at ATP Houston. Since then, he skipped all the clay tournaments, including a late withdrawal from the French Open, due to an elbow injury.
“Federer is alright. I’m not going to sit here and say all those good things about him. Everybody knows he is the GOAT.” – Nick Kyrgios after booking his semifinal date with Roger Federer.
Though the talented Australian has got the perfect game to excel in these conditions, his only semifinal appearance on grass came at Nottingham Challenger in 2014, where he defeated Miloslav Mecir in straight sets.
Roger Federer, who fought back from a set down against Mischa Zverev in the opening round, scored a dominant straight-set win over Guido Pella in the second round, who has won only four matches on grass in his entire career. The Swiss #1 is now just one win away from returning to the top position in the ATP Rankings.
Pressure is on Roger Federer as this is his only chance to reclaim the #1 spot from Rafael Nadal during the grass season as he cannot improve his points tally at Halle and Wimbledon, being the defending champion in those two tournaments.
ATP Stuttgart is Roger Federer’s first tournament in nearly three months as the world #2 decided to skip the entire clay season (for the second consecutive season) after suffering back-to-back defeats against Juan Martin Del Potro in Indian Wells and Thanasi Kokkinakis in Miami.
The last time Roger Federer lost a semifinal match in a regular tour event was back in 2016, when he faced three consecutive semifinal exits from three grass tournaments, at Stuttgart (Thiem), Halle (Zverev) and Wimbledon (Raonic).
“We’ve had some brutal matches against each other, in Miami, in Madrid. He’s always dangerous, especially on the grass. I think I will enjoy playing against him.” – Roger Federer on facing Nick Kyrgios in the semifinal.
Excluding Nick Kyrgios’ retirement during the Indian Wells meeting in 2017, their H2H is tied at 1-1. Interestingly, both their previous two matches went to the distance, and all the six sets between them needed a tiebreaker. Nick Kyrgios is one of the few players who can go toe to toe with Roger Federer and despite his recent fitness issues, expect him to play out a close match on Saturday.
Tennis Prediction: Roger Federer
Odds: 1.40
