Roger Federer’s victory over Nick Kyrgios on Friday was enthralling and a fiercely intense semifinal that kept a capacity crowd at Key Biscayne on the edge of their seats.
Read: Federer the greatest of all time, says Kyrgios
The big-hitting Kyrgios was frequently booed by the crowd for racquet throwing and language — and sometimes for very little — but appeared to be enjoying the role of pantomime villain.
However, Federer’s wife, Mirka, was caught by the broadcasters, joining the crowd in heckling Kyrgios.
The first set tie-break was a gripping affair with the Australian twice having set point before it was decided when his return went wide. The boos rang out again as he hurled his racquet in frustration.
Kyrgios was furious when a fan called out during one point, to which he yelled ‘shut up’. Federer enjoyed two successful challenges late on his way to a win which sent the crowd wild with delight as Kyrgios went wild with rage.
At one point late in the first set, the chair umpire asked the crowd to “please show good sportsmanship to both players”.
The serve dominated more in the second set and with neither player able to break another tie-break was needed. Federer had match-point at 8-7 but found the net with his return.
In the middle of the second set, Mirka was filmed whistling, while the crowd hissed at Kyrgios.
Kyrgios finally won the battle with an amazing cross-court return and then followed it up with a thundering ace to force a third set.
Following his win, Federer thanked the crowd for supporting him during the semifinal battle. He said during the on-court interview: “Thank you guys. That was a nice atmosphere. I tried to stay positive and it was worthwhile to stay … the atmosphere only got more epic.”
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