Nick Kyrgios all that stands between Roger Federer and return to world number one

ATP Tour

Nick Kyrgios is now all that stands in Roger Federer’s way as the the Swiss legend bids to return to the top of the rankings.

The Australian beat Feliciano Lopez 6-4 3-6 6-3 at Stuttgart to set up a semi-final clash with Federer, who will reclaim the world number one spot with a win.

“We’ve had some brutal matches against each other,” Federer said of their history.

“He’s always dangerous, especially on the grass. I think I will enjoy playing against him.”

Meanwhile, in Hertogenbosch, Richard Gasquet moved into the semi-finals by edging past Barcelona Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(2) 7-6(4) in a fiercely contested match.

He’ll now face Bernard Tomic, who continued his re-emergence with a 6-4 7-6(3) victory over fourth-seed Fernando Verdasco.

“Once you play qualifying and win a few sets, things open up and you get a good feeling,” Tomic said.

“I like the surface and am very comfortable on it. I’ve won all of my titles on hard courts, so I’d like to win a title on grass courts.”

ATP Tour Nick Kyrgios Roger Federer

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