INDIAN WELLS, California: Roger Federer got a free pass into the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters on Friday as opponent Nick Kyrgios pulled out ill, with the Swiss now bidding for the final against Jack Sock. The top American rallied past Japanese fourth seed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 to reach a first semifinal at the elite level and improve his season record to 15-2 after winning his fourth consecutive three-set match. Federer leads that series, 2-0. Nishikori held a 29-3 record over Americans over the past four seasons. Sock, Auckland and Delray title holder in 2017, was playing in his third consecutive ATP Masters quarterfinal after Shanghai and Paris.
Beating Nishikori gave him a first top 5 win after seven losses.
Kyrgios announced on Twitter that he was suffering with stomach illness and would not start.
“I’m sorry but I can’t play,” the 15th seed tweeted. “I need to be at my best to have a chance. I don’t take this decision lightly.
“These are the matches we train for, but I’m in no fit state to take the court. I’m sorry to the fans but I have to take health first. I want to wish Roger best of luck for the tournament.”
Federer spoke to fans about the disappointment.
“It would have been a great match, I was looking forward to it. But that’s how sport and tennis works. Hopefully I’ll play a good match tomorrow.”
The Swiss who won his 18th major at the Australian Open, continued to cite progress after taking six months off in 2016 after knee surgery to completely heal.
“To be away that long was really difficult. But to be back on court feeling normal again is so nice. I feel happy and fresh. That translates into playing freely, taking chances with nothing to lose. — dpa
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