‘Unreal’ Federer too good for Kyrgios at US Open

“It was almost unreal,” was how Nick Kyrgios described the moment Roger Federer produced a miraculous winner in the Swiss star’s straight-sets win at the US Open.

Their third-round contest had been much anticipated, and Kyrgios went close to taking the initiative in the opening set, but Federer went on to dominate in a 6-4 6-1 7-5 win.

“I think he didn’t come up with the goods when he really had to, and I was good, I think, by making him hit that extra shot,” said Federer.

“Things worked well for me today.”

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While the No.2 seed moves on to the fourth round and another Australian opponent, the unseeded John Millman, Kyrgios was left to marvel at the 37-year-old’s continuing brilliance.

“He was way too good,” said the 30th seed.

“Obviously not at my best, but that’s how he makes you play. He makes the court feel really small at times. If you’re not serving well, he takes advantage of it. He was too good.”

Without sounding like a fanboy, congrats to @rogerfederer today. Too good on the day, GOAT. Good luck extending that lead, go get 21. Everyone else, thanks for the support during @usopen sorry I couldn’t get it done today. #MuchLove ??????????

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) September 1, 2018

That fact was best illustrated the Federer chased down a good Kyrgios drop shot and not only got to the ball, but was able to flick a forehand around the net post for a winner – prompting a smiling Kyrgios to mouth “oh my god”.

“I was trying to tell him that the shot wasn’t that good,” Kyrgios joked.

“No, it was almost unreal. Almost got to the point where I wanted him to start making shots like that, and I finally got it. I was pretty happy with myself.”

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Kyrgios had his chance at 3-3,0-40, in the opening set but Federer fought off four break points.

“I had the chances and I didn’t take them,” said Kyrgios. “Against Roger, you’re not going to get many.

“I thought I was playing really well in the first set. I was creating a lot of pressure, serving well and had the chance, didn’t take it. That’s what happened.”

Federer agreed it had been a turning point in the match, saying: “It was important to somehow get out of it and stay within 4-3 and probably look at a tiebreak.

“But I was able to break earlier, which was clearly great because I had no sniff on any of his service games in the first three or four. I didn’t get discouraged, and I think that was also the key today.”