Well, it’s time for us to say goodbye. That was hugely enjoyable, and thanks for following along with us. We’ll be live blogging Sunday’s Nadal-Federer final, so be sure to come back and visit. Commiserations to Kyrgios – that double fault proved crucial – but well done to Federer.
Thanks for reading!
Updated
Oh, boy: you have to feel for Kyrgios. Federer plays Rafa Nadal in a sumptuous match-up on Sunday, but it could just as easily have been the Aussie.
Kyrgios made a speedy exit to the locker room, but here’s Federer:
“Thank you guys, that was a nice atmosphere. It’s a great feeling to play like this, and it was close from the beginning. He’s on such a good run, he’s such a great player, so it was a special feeling.
“I kept fighting and believing, tried to stay aggressive … it was a nailbiter and could have gone either way.
“Here we go again: six sets against Nick and six breakers. I tried to stay positive and it was worthwhile to stay … the atmosphere only got more epic.
“I think back to 2004, I just came off winning Indian Wells and I played the youngster Nadal, and I ended up losing. You could tell he was definitely going to win the French. The following year we played in the final and I should have lost, somehow I won, he should have Miami titles and he doesn’t, so it’s going to be super special playing against him in the final.”
Roger Federer beats Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (11-9), 6-7 (9-11), 7-6 (7-5)!
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-7 Federer
And it’s good from Federer! Game, set and match! Kyrgios busts his racquet in frustration, but Federer is in the final. What a game of tennis!
Updated
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-6 Federer*
Double fault Kyrgios! Kyrgios challenges … but the call was correct! What a time to throw in a double! Match point Federer!
Updated
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 5-5 Federer
Oh, Kyrgios! That was wild! Miles long. We’re back all square.
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 5-4 Federer
Federer is long, and he challenges … the call was good! Kyrgios goes 5-4 ahead! Win these two service points and he’s in the final!
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-4 Federer*
Great hands at the net by Federer! Four all.
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-3 Federer*
A monster serve from Kyrgios to take the lead.
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 3-3 Federer
Federer breaks back, and it’s 3-3!
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 3-2 Federer
Important point to win for Federer, but Kyrgios still has the mini-break.
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 3-1 Federer*
Mini-break for Kyrgios after Federer misses a forehand wide right!
Third set tie-break: Kyrgios 2-1 Federer*
And then takes the lead!
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 1-1 Federer
Kyrgios draws level at 1-1.
Updated
Third set tie-break: *Kyrgios 0-1 Federer
And Federer gets us going with the shot of the match! An insane backhand winner, off balance, down the line. Too good
Third set: Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 6-6 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios holds to 15, and after three hours and a minute, we’re going to another tie-break. Ready??!!
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 5-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
Another hold to love from Federer! Kyrgios had to work so hard in that previous service game, and now he has to do it all again.
Third set: Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
First blood to Federer, who gets down low to time a really nice return. Kyrgios responds with a scud, and we’re all square at 15-15. Now then! Kyrgios is wasteful with a regulation forehand from the back court, and Federer has a sniff at 15-30. But what resolve from Kyrgios! Playing on the edge to win the point and get back to 30-30. Which he follows up with an ace! 40-30. But Federer responds, and we’re at deuce!
Another special serve from Kyrgios that Federer does well to get a racquet one. And then some Stefan Edberg-style serve-and-volley stuff, and it’s five-five!
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 4-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
These games are now being won at quite a lick. Federer’s serve is still holding up well, and Kyrgios has to serve to stay in the match.
Third set: Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 4-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
That’s extremely good from Kyrgios: showing off his range, including some top serve-and-volley skills, to hold to love. Four each!
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 3-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer breezes through another service game, and he leads 4-3. Who thinks we’re going to another tie-break?
Third set: Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
You just can’t predict which way this is going to swing: there’s been nothing to choose between them. I just wonder whether Federer’s failure to take those match points will haunt him. Kyrgios has managed to summon something when it’s looked like he’s down and out. And he wins this game to 15, finishing it with a 138mph serve. Three all.
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
That’s a lazy backhand return from Federer: it floats long, and it’s 30-30. But that’s the time to serve an ace! A 127mph bullet and we’re 40-30. Kyrgios is long with his next return, and then shows off his soccer skills by smashing a loose tennis ball high into the crowd. Jeers from the largely Federer-supporting Miami crowd.
Third set: Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Solid start from Kyrgios to go ahead 15-0, and then Federer misses a volley at the net that he might have done better with. 30-0. Another ace, his 11th, makes it 40-0, and it’s game point. But then Kyrgios undoes all his hard work by giving Federer three straight points! Deuce, and what looked like a gimme has suddenly become a complicated game.
Kyrgios wins the first point but drops the next. Second deuce. But this time he makes no mistake, and it’s game Kyrgios.
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer goes ahead 40-15, and although he makes a careless error for 40-30, he atones by keeping his eye on a high ball and putting away the smash. Two-one Federer.
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios responds with a solid hold, and we’re level at one set all. Don’t be surprised if this one goes the distance too.
Third set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 7-6, 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Well, that’s an ideal way for Federer to begin the third set: a hold to love. Kyrgios showed serious steel in that second set tie-break, incidentally: twice he was down match point, but he came up big on his serve, and stared Federer down. Hugely impressive from the kid.
A mirror image of the first set – Kyrgios wins 11-9 in the tie-break. This has been epic. Ready for some more?
Nick Kyrgios wins the second set 7-6 (11-9)!
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 11-9 Federer
And Kyrgios throws down an ace to take the second set! We’re going to a decider!
Updated
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 10-9 Federer
But Kyrgios comes back with more! Another set point for Kyrgios!
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-9 Federer*
So close! But Federer saves set point.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-8 Federer*
And Federer is long with an attempted passing winner! Just out.
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 8-8 Federer
Federer nets. Gah!
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 7-8 Federer
And more excellent serving from Federer to give him another match point!
Updated
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 7-7 Federer*
But Federer saves it! What sang froid.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 7-6 Federer*
Now Kyrgios has the set point!
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 6-6 Federer
Ooh, just long. Kyrgios saves match point. Boy, this is tense!
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 5-6 Federer
Kyrgios nets, and Federer has match point! Kyrgios has the service point.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-5 Federer*
What a winner from Kyrgios! Brilliant!
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-5 Federer*
And he does. He’s still alive – just.
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 3-5 Federer
Aggressive play from Federer, moving in behind a deep approach shot, and Kyrgios finds the net. Kyrgios has to win the next point.
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 3-4 Federer
An important point for Federer, and he regains the lead. Kyrgios now with two serves.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 3-3 Federer*
Now Federer misses! Kyrgios breaks back, so to speak.
Updated
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 2-3 Federer*
Federer went for the winner, but could only find the net. Could be a big moment.
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 1-3 Federer
Oh, that’s too good! Federer just crushed a forehand winner from the back of the court. Kyrgios never moved. That’s the mini-break.
Second set tie-break: *Kyrgios 1-2 Federer
And Federer makes both his serves count.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-1 Federer*
Federer responds to level at 1-1.
Second set tie-break: Kyrgios 1-0 Federer
Kyrgios gets us under way, and he wins the first point of this tie-break.
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 6-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios still can’t get it going on the Federer serve, and that’s a wild swipe from the baseline to give Federer a 40-15 advantage. He throws down an ace to finish, and we’ll go to another tie-break!
Updated
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 6-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
This is a huge game for Kyrgios. He has to hold here. He goes up 15-0, but is long with a backhand pass, and it’s 15-15. Kyrgios needs his serve to hold up, and it does: 15-15 becomes 30-15, and then 40-15. But how about this from Federer! Two clear winners, one on the forehand and one on the backhand, and it’s deuce. Danger for Kyrgios.
Well, how about that: a 126mph second serve from Kyrgios, and he gains the advantage. He really threw the kitchen sink at that. But then he’s long with a two-handed backhand from the baseline. Second deuce.
Ooh, that was a chance for Federer. Kyrgios didn’t do enough with his approach shot, and Federer had a clear lane for a passing winner, but he gave it too much juice. Advantage Kyrgios, and he clinches the game after Federer finds the net. An extremely important hold from Kyrgios, and it’s still up for grabs.
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 5-5 Federer (*denotes next server)
It’s a pressure moment, but Kyrgios just can’t make inroads on this Federer serve – and it’s another service game to love! 1min 9sec for that game, and is that four straight Federer holds to love?
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 5-4 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Oh, that’s too good! At 15-0, Kyrgios drops an oh-so-subtle volley over the net, but Federer somehow gets to it and flicks it away for a winner. Superb. 15-15, but Kyrgios cranks up that serve for his first ace of the second set. And another! 40-15, and then Kyrgios clinches with the game with another bullet of a first serve: Federer’s return is long, and now the pressure is on the veteran. At 4-5, he’s serving to stay in the set.
Updated
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 4-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
Federer’s looking good on his serve, though – Kyrgios just not causing him any problems at the moment. Three straight points gives him 40-0, and then Kyrgios is long again with a wild forehand. Another service game to love for the Swiss maestro.
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 4-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
An opening for Federer at 15-30, and then Kyrgios dumps an easy backhand into the middle of the net. Kyrgios, for the first time in the match, looks a little deflated, and Federer has two break points. Kyrgios saves the first of them, and the second! Good play from the Aussie, and it’s deuce.
And that’s serious resolve from Kyrgios, winning four straight points and earning a valuable hold. You feared for him if he’d lost that, but he’s still in this!
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 3-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
Baby-lotion soft hands from Federer at the net, and he moves ahead 30-0. Which then becomes 40-0,and then game Federer. Three straight service games to love.
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 3-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Now Kyrgios holds to love! He’s come back really well in this set after the disappointment of losing the tie-break.
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 2-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
A rapid service game from Federer to draw level. He’s been able to rattle off three or four holds to love in this match, which bodes well for his stamina as we go on.
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 2-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A lovely kick serve from Kyrgios, bouncing up high, and he moves ahead 40-15. On the point, Federer’s return is comically wide, and Kyrgios wraps up another solid service game to edge ahead 2-1.
Second set: *Kyrgios 6-7, 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
Wahay! The first tweener of the night from Kyrgios, and it’s magnificent: a volley as delicate as a snowflake, and it’s 15-15. Federer nods in appreciation and then moves ahead 40-15, but Kyrgios wins the next two points, and we’re at deuce.
Federer shuts the door on Kyrgios, winning the next two points, and it’s all square at one each.
Second set: Kyrgios 6-7, 1-0 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Kyrgios chucked his racquet again at the end of that tie-break, but no penalty from the umpire, which is good to see. But he’s got to keep his temperament in check now: he’s not out of this by any means, so there’s no need to get down on himself. But that’s a good start to this service game, and he moves ahead 40-0 – which soon becomes a hold to love. That’ll make him feel better about things.
Updated
Well, Federer has the first set, and we spectators need a lie down. That was brilliant! Both players playing right on the edge. Tremendous to watch.
Updated
Roger Federer wins the first set 7-6 (11-9)!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-11 Federer
And this time Kyrgios is wide! Federer takes the first set! What an outstanding set of tennis.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-10 Federer
Kyrgios with a double fault. Oh, Nick!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-9 Federer
But Federer plays the perfect point! Nine all!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 9-8 Federer
Now Federer nets, and Kyrgios can serve for the set!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 8-8 Federer
A heart-in-mouth moment for Federer: Kyrgios’s return hit the top of the net, and bounced just the right side, as far as Federer was concerned. Eight all.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 8-7 Federer
Now Kyrgios has set point! And it was a terrific point. This is really top-class stuff. Federer serving to stay alive.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 7-7 Federer
Another set point saved, and some confusion: it sounded like the crowd called the ball out when it wasn’t, and Federer seemed thrown on. Regardless, it’s seven all.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 6-7 Federer
This is wild. Classic serve and put-away from Federer gives him a third set point.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 6-6 Federer
But he can’t take it! Kyrgios saves another set point!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-6 Federer
That was a magnificent point from Federer, all made by a quite superb service return. Second set point Federer!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 5-5 Federer
Ooh, Federer gave his attempted winner too much juice, and missed wide left.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-5 Federer
A moment: Federer was long, the ball was called out, and the umpire overruled it. Kyrgios challenged it, but the umpire was right: it was in. We’ll replay the point, and Federer finishes it with a superb smash. 5-4 Federer.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-4 Federer
Now Kyrgios is long, and Federer draws level. You can’t separate these two.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 4-3 Federer
Federer on the defensive, and he can’t keep his return in. Kyrgios leads.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 3-3 Federer
Federer responds with a lovely passing winner, and we’ll change ends all square. We’ve played one hour exactly.
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 3-2 Federer
But now Kyrgios has the mini-break!
First set tie-break: Kyrgios 2-2 Federer
Federer draws level at 2-2.
First set tie-break: * Kyrgios 2-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
And Kyrgios moves ahead.
First set tie-break: * Kyrgios 1-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
One-all. Kyrgios pumps his fist.
First set tie-break: * Kyrgios 1-0 Federer (*denotes next server)
Which way is this going to swing?
First set: Kyrgios 6-6 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Everyone in the stadium is up for this now. Federer goes ahead 0-15, Kyrgios levels at 15-15, but Kyrgios is wide with a careless return, and it’s 15-30. Big point here, and Federer is long! Sloppy from the Swiss. 30-30. But Federer wrests control again, Kyrgios can’t control his volley, and it’s 30-40 – only for Kyrgios to serve up another ace, his sixth of the match, and take it to deuce. What a serve!
And another! 137mph, ace no 7, and it’s advantage Kyrgios. And game Kyrgios! Fabulous serving from break point down, and Kyrgios has gotten out of a jam. So well played, and we’re going to a tie-break.
Updated
First set: *Kyrgios 5-6 Federer (*denotes next server)
Now Federer has the momentum! A hold to 15, another Federer service game rattled off speedily, and Kyrgios is serving with the first set on the line.
Federer breaks Kyrgios in the 10th game of the first set!
First set: Kyrgios 5-5 Federer* (*denotes next server)
Nerves from Kyrgios? Federer, playing as aggressively as he has done all set, moves to 0-30, and Kyrgios has a problem. But there’s that serve again! What a weapon. 15-30. And now we have a moment! Kyrgios played a lovely set-up forehand, but missed the subsequent volley, and smashed his racquet on the floor! The crowd’s getting really into this, but more importantly, Federer has two break points at 15-40. And he makes this one count! Federer breaks back! Top tennis.
Updated
First set: *Kyrgios 5-4 Federer (*denotes next server)
15-15, and Kyrgios tries the lob, but Federer shows good footwork to backpedal and put away the smash. 30-15. Kyrgios levels at 30-30, Federer goes ahead 40-30, Kyrgios levels at deuce.
Twice Federer gains the advantage, but twice Kyrgios pegs him back, the second thanks to Federer’s first double fault of the match, which prompts groans from the crowd. This time Federer does manage to put his opponent away, but Kyrgios has the upper hand: he’ll serve for the first set.
First set: Kyrgios 5-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
So. Can Kyrgios keep his cool and retain his advantage? He goes up 15-0, but then is long with a regulation forehand from the back of the court, and it’s 15-15. A wild return from Federer and a booming first serve from Kyrgios make it 40-15, and then fires down an unreturnable 141mph first serve – it was originally called out, but Kyrgios challenges, and it was the right decision: it was clearly in. Game Kyrgios, and he backs up his break with an excellent service game.
Kyrgios breaks Federer in the seventh game of the first set!
First set: *Kyrgios 4-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
Now here’s a chance for Kyrgios. He’s been nowhere in Federer’s three previous service games, but Federer floats a backhand long, and suddenly we’re 0-30. Federer cuts it to 15-30, but Kyrgios shows his quality with a terrific down-the-line backhand winner for 15-40 and two break points. Federer saves the first, but not the second, and Kyrgios has the break!
First set: Kyrgios 3-3 Federer* (*denotes next server)
At 30-15, Federer moves round to try and fashion a forehand winner, but it hits the top of the net and lands the wrong side. 40-15. And that’s a big, big ace from Kyrgios – 132mph, straight down the middle – to finish the game. Three all.
First set: *Kyrgios 2-3 Federer (*denotes next server)
Too easy: Federer holds to love in double quick time – and the pressure’s back on Kyrgios again.
First set: Kyrgios 2-2 Federer* (*denotes next server)
First double fault from Kyrgios, which draws a flash of anger from the Aussie. 0-15. But he’s back into his serving rhythm, and he moves ahead 30-15. Federer pegs him back to 30-30, but Kyrgios looks fired up, and sends down another violent first serve for 40-30. He can’t finish Federer off, though, and we’ll go to deuce.
Ooh, Kyrgios is wide as Federer comes to the net, and the Swiss has another break point. But that’s a terrific first serve, right on the T, which Federer does well to get a racquet on. Second deuce, and Federer another break point thanks to a lucky net cord – but again he can’t take it! Three chances spurned for Federer, and it’s now advantage Kyrgios – but Federer produces another backhand winner and we’re back to deuce!
A fourth deuce, and finally Kyrgios comes through Nearly 10 minutes to complete that game – but another important hold from Kyrgios. But will Federer rue those missed opportunities?
First set: *Kyrgios 1-2 Federer (*denotes next server)
A wild forehand from Federer allow Kyrgios to draw level at 15-15, but Federer re-establishes his lead with his first ace. 30-15, which becomes 40-15, and then game Federer. Federer’s groundstrokes look in good order so far.
First set: Kyrgios 1-1 Federer* (*denotes next server)
A wild backhand from Kyrgios, and it’s 0-15. Now Federer unfurls a lovely down-the-line backhand winner, and this is a chance at 0-30. But Federer misses an easy put-away on the forehand! He moved Kyrgios all around the court, but was inexplicably wide with the court gaping. 15-30, which becomes 30-30 as Kyrgios serves his first ace of the match. 30-30.
And this is the serve we’ve been seeing from Kyrgios: 126mph on the second serve, and Federer has no answer. 40-30. But that’s a luscious backhand return from Federer to set up deuce.
Another winner from Federer, his fourth, and it’s a first break point of the match. But he can’t take it! Just wide on Kyrios’s backhand side. And Kyrgios recovers to serve out the game. An important hold from Kyrgios, but Federer will be kicking himself for not taking that chance.
First set: *Kyrgios 0-1 Federer (*denotes next server)
And Federer’s quickly into his stride, moving to 40-0 with little fuss. Kyrgios gets on the board at 40-15, but then his block forehand is long, and it’s game Federer. A confident start from the Swiss.
We’re about ready to go. Federer to serve first. Let’s play tennis!
It’s 85F in Key Biscayne, and not too humid: just 44%. The wind is gusting at about 13mph.
The players are on court and are having a hit. We should be under way shortly.
A few more match notes before we get going: Federer and Kyrgios have met just once before, in Madrid in 2015, and Kygrios won that in three sets. Kyrgios is appearing in his second straight Miami Open semi, and he’s the first Aussie to reach back-to-back semi-finals since Lleyton Hewitt did it between 2000 and 2002.
Federer won the championship here in 2005 and 2006, and is coming into this match with a nine-match win streak and a 17-1 record so far this season. It’s his first Miami semi-final since 2011.
Route to the final
Nick Kyrgios (12)
Round of 64 bt D Dzumhur 6-4, 6-3
Round of 32 bt I Karlovic (17) 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-2)
Round of 16 bt D Goffin (8) 7-6, (7-5), 6-3
Quarter-final bt A Zverev (16) 6-4, 6-7 (11-9), 6-3
Roger Federer (4)
Round of 64 bt F Tiafoe 7-6 (7-2), 6-3
Round of 32 bt J Del Potro (29) 6-3, 6-4
Round of 16 bt R Bautista Agut (14) 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4)
Quarter-final bt T Berdych (10) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6)
Kyrgios loves his tweeners
Nick Kyrgios, as we all know, is a big fan of the between-the-legs shot, aka the tweener, and he made a couple of them at Zverev’s expense on Thursday. Check this out – it’s pretty impressive:
It was all too easy for Rafael Nadal in today’s earlier semi-final. He beat the unseeded Fabio Fognini 6-1 7-5, and is into his fifth final at Key Biscayne, although he’s never won here.
Nadal, who rolled over Fognini without facing a break point, said afterwards: “Winning here would be something great, and an important title I haven’t won. Fabio is a player who is able to combine great points with mistakes. The match became strange – not a lot of rhythm. The second set was tough.”
The 29-year-old Fognini made 38 unforced errors, and was bracingly honest in reflection of his display: “I was missing a lot of balls. give him a present the first set. I was playing really bad.”
With victory, Nadal improves to 19-4 this year, and leads the men’s tour in wins.
Hello and welcome
Greetings! It’s Friday evening, and it’s time for tennis. Roger Federer takes on Nick Kyrgios in beautiful Key Biscayne, and at stake is a place in Sunday’s Miami Open final against Rafael Nadal. This match could be something special: Kyrgios seems to be maturing into the player he promised to be – one or two hiccups aside – and Federer has rolled back the years at age 35, with 17 wins from 18 matches this year.
Kyrgios, of course, pulled out of his quarter-final with Federer in Indian Wells two weeks ago, complaining of food poisoning – but today he’s fit, and raring to go. He looked superb against Alexander Zverev in the last eight; Federer, by contrast, came back from the brink against Tomas Berdych.
We get going in half an hour or so, and this has the makings of a classic. Check back then for more.
Tim will be here shortly. In the meantime, recap how Federer got to the last four:
