Roger Federer will reclaim the world No.1 ranking for the third time this year after winning a gripping contest against Nick Kyrgios in Stuttgart.
The 36-year-old Swiss beat Australia’s Kyrgios 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 7-6 (7-5) to reach the final of the Mercedes Open, and ensure he will replace Rafael Nadal at the top of the standings on Monday.
“I’m very happy, very relieved,” said Federer, who now has a 2-1 record against Kyrgios after eight tiebreaks in nine sets.
“I thought it was a tough match like I expected against Nick. We’ve played so many breakers already, I’m losing count.
“It was close. It could have gone either way, naturally. But I’m happy I got it and get back to World No. 1 next Monday, so it’s very exciting. And I’ve got another final, so it’s great news.”
Federer beats Kyrgios 6-7(2) 6-2 7-6(5) ????
? Back to world No.1
? 15 consecutive grass court wins
? Moves into 148th career final#MercedesCup pic.twitter.com/uDmQZX2JKj— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 16, 2018
Kyrgios fired down 23 aces in the match, taking the first set after dominating the tiebreak before double-faulting to give Federer a decisive advantage in set two.
With neither man able to break in the decider it came down to another breaker, and Federer overturned a 2-0 deficit to convert his first match point with a backhand steered down the line.
He goes on to face Canada’s Milos Raonic, who beat defending champion Lucas Pouille 6-4 7-6(3).
FEATURE: How did Federer spend his three-month break?
“I tried to make it difficult and I don’t want any day to be easy for anybody,” said Raonic.
“I’m happy I have a chance to come back and play some more good tennis. I look up to Federer but I have to come out tomorrow and play my best.”
In the Netherlands, France overcame Australia as Jeremy Chardy beat Matt Ebden 6-4 7-5 and second seed Richard Gasquet beat qualifier Bernard Tomic 6-4 6-7(6) 6-2.
19 February 2016
Roberta Vinci appeared on Italian TV and was put to the test - were the grunts she was hea... More
22 August 2017
Finally! After years of watching coaches wander on to court and say nothing particularly i... More
24 November 2016
Novak Djokovic is the fastest tennis player on the planet, according to new data from Tenn... More
24 May 2016
With all eyes on the red clay of Roland Garros, there's plenty that club players can do to... More