Nick Kyrgios pushes Roger Federer all the way in epic Miami Open semi-final

ROGER Federer has paid Nick Kyrgios a huge compliment after ending his Miami Masters campaign in a clash that has been dubbed ‘the match of the year’.

ROGER Federer has denied Nick Kyrgios a berth in the Miami Open final after claiming a dramatic semi-final dubbed the match of the year.

In a pulsating contest which drew the praise of former world No 1 Boris Becker, Federer prevailed 7-6 (11-9) 6-7 (9-11) 7-6 (7-5) in a 3hr, 10min thriller.

Avenging 2015 defeat in Madrid, where Federer lost to Kyrgios in three tiebreaks, the Australian Open champion advanced to his 37th clash with Rafael Nadal.

LOW CLASS: Roger’s wife caugh heckling Kyrgios

Nick Kyrgios of Australia throws his racquet after losing the first set to Roger Federer.

Kyrgios, 21, came desperately close to extending an unbeaten record against the grand slam record-holder, prompting unqualified compliments from Becker, Chris Evert and Brad Gilbert.

Federer finessed 54 winners and made 39 unforced errors. Kyrgios produced 38 winners and 34 unforced errors.

Annoyed after being booed by the crowd for bouncing his racquet, Kyrgios again underlined his progress as a future grand slam champion.

“I think the crowd was obviously on [Roger’s] crowd side,” Kyrgios said. “I think I have to win a few more matches to earn that.

“I showed a lot of fight. Obviously I’m an emotional guy. I had some ups and downs, a bit of a roller coaster.

“Ultimately I thought I put in a good performance. I thought the crowd would have enjoyed it.

“I think my game is there but I have to keep putting the mental part of it first.”

Kyrgios will now return home for Australia’s quarter-final clash with the US in Brisbane from Friday.

Amid his trademark tweeners and momentary outbursts, Kyrgios conceded a point after telling Federer to challenge, a gesture which earnt him high praise from the Swiss maestro.

“I think he’s good for the game,” Federer said of Kyrgios after the match.

Goodbye, racquet. pic.twitter.com/4OhEPOUiLa

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 1, 2017

Roger Federer celebrates match point against Nick Kyrgios.

There was no doubt Federer had the crowd on his side throughout the match and the Swiss ace showed his appreciation. “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”, Federer said post-match

“I kept fighting and believing, tried to stay aggressive … it was a nailbiter and could have gone either way.

Nick Kyrgios shakes hands with Roger Federer following the match.

“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.”

Mirka whistling at Kyrgios hahaha@MiamiOpen @NickKyrgios @rogerfederer pic.twitter.com/YarlzqfReL

— TennisPilot (@TennisPilot) April 1, 2017