Miami Open: Kyrgios beats Zverev to face Federer in semis

Nick Kyrgios showed more evidence of his enormous potential in a three-set win over German fellow Alexander Zverev at the Miami Open, a victory that sets up a showdown with Roger Federer in the semi-finals.

In a match-up of tennis' two biggest young stars, the 21-year-old Kyrgios' superior serve was the difference in a 6-4, 6-7 (9-11), 6-3 victory in Thursday night's quarter-final action,reports Efe.

The 6 feet 4 inches tall Australian struck 16 aces and did not face a single break point during the two-hour, 33-minute match, while the 19-year-old Zverev, who is even taller at 6 feet 6 inches managed just three aces and had his serve broken twice.

The 12th-seeded Kyrgios was particularly impressive on second serve, winning 68 percent of the points against one of tennis' best returners.

"I respect his game. He's beaten some of the best players in the world. I know that I can't bring 75 or 80 percent of my game. I have to bring 100 percent. That's what I did today and I got over the line," Kyrgios was quoted as saying on the ATP World Tour's website.

The victory sets up a match-up with the fourth-seeded Federer, who has stormed back to the top of the game after an injury hiatus in late 2016.

After winning his 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and following that up by capturing the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells earlier this month, Federer will look to advance to another big final when he takes on Kyrgios on Friday night.

Federer edged Czech Tomas Berdych on Thursday afternoon 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6) after saving two match points in the third-set tiebreaker.

In women's singles, the United Kingdom's Johanna Konta topped American Venus Williams 6-4, 7-5 to advance to her first Miami Open final.

The No. 10 seed will square off for the title against 12th-seeded Dane Caroline Wozniacki, who is also making her first appearance in a Miami Open championship match.

--IANS

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