Wawrinka sets up Kyrgios showdown in Dubai

Published by tennismash

Stan Wawrinka sets up Nick Kyrgios clash. Photo: Getty Images
Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka will play each other for the first time since their verbal altercation in Dubai.

Nick Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka will meet for the first time since last year’s infamous sledging incident in Friday’s semi-final of the Dubai Tennis Championship.

A red-hot Kyrgios stormed to his eighth successive win with an impressive 6-4 6-4 victory over world No.7 Tomas Berdych on Thursday to book his spot in the last-four.

It follows his maiden ATP tournament success in Marseille on Sunday where he also beat the third-seeded Czech in the semi-finals.

World No.4 Wawrinka brushed aside Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-1 to set up a meeting with Kyrgios.

The controversial Kyrgios incensed former Australian and French Open champion Wawrinka when he made comments about his girlfriend during a match in Canada last August.

“What was said I wouldn’t say to my worst enemy. To stoop so low is not only unacceptable but also beyond belief,” Wawrinka Tweeted after the incident.

The pair were reportedly involved in a locker room bust-up before Kyrgios issued an apology and accepted a $US10,000 ATP fine and a six-month suspended ban.

Related: Calmness is the key to Kyrgios delivering on his promise

The Australian celebrated the end of that suspended sentence on Sunday with victory over Marin Cilic in the Marseille decider and heads in to the clash with the Swiss in the best form of his young career.

Despite struggling with a back problem and food poisoning, he produced a superb display against Berdych, losing just four points on his serve in the second set and sending down 10 aces in a match that lasted just under 90 minutes.

“I wasn’t in the greatest shape, obviously. I think I got a bit of food poisoning last night,” Kyrgios said.

“I was really surprised with the performance I gave out there today, coming out and beating a quality player and in tough conditions.

“It’s probably my favourite win over the last couple of weeks.

“It’s tough, especially with Tomas. He’s so diligent with everything he does, so professional.

“For me to come out there and put in a great performance like that… I just took my chances when they came.

“Conditions were really fast. When one of us got a pretty good strike, I think the point was pretty much over.

“I served well and competed well. I’m very, very happy.”

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