ENDLESS DRAMA JUST CONTINUES FOR KYRGIOS
SHATTERED that suspected food poisoning denied him a tilt at Roger Federer, Nick Kyrgios hopes to recover for next week’s Miami Open.
Unable to pinpoint the source of the illness amid speculation a fruit smoothie consumed after an epic win over Novak Djokovic was the culprit, Kyrgios was severely ill before his scheduled quarterfinal with Federer.
The sickness halted the world No.16’s impressive progress this season, robbing the right-hander of a perfect opportunity to gauge his development against the Australian Open champion.
Kyrgios, 21, is expected to undergo medical tests before resuming in Miami, which provides another opportunity for the right-hander to climb fur- ther in the rankings before he returns to Australia for Davis Cup duties in Brisbane.
“Unfortunately I am unable to play today due to sickness,” Kyrgios said.
“At this stage we think it’s food poisoning, and I’m praying it’s nothing more.
“After a restless night of being sick I have nothing left and to play a great champion like Roger, 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 to the court.
“I’m sorry to the fans but I have to put my health first and I hope you understand.
“I want to wish Roger the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and thank everyone for their support here at the BNP Paribas Open. I will definitely be back. Thank you.”
Federer tweeted his support to Kyrgios, stating: “hope you feel better.”
The grand slam recordholder later told fans in Indian Wells: “I was really looking forward to playing the match. It’s a pity.”
Kyrgios, who has now beaten Djokovic twice and boasts victories over Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka (twice), declared in Indian Wells he had no reason to temper his explosive game.
Asked about his fearless serving mentality, he said: “I have lost some matches from it. I have won some matches from it.
“I’m okay if I go for it. It’s a high percentage (play) for me to go big under pressure. That’s my game style.
“If I miss, I miss, but I (would) know I went down playing my game.”