Federer to face Sock after ailing Kyrgios withdraws

BAD LUCK A suspected bout of food poisoning forces Aussie out of quarterfinal

INDIAN WELLS: Roger Federer reached the 10th Indian Wells Masters semifinal of his career by walkover on Friday as Australian Nick Kyrgios withdrew from their highly anticipated quarter-final with food poisoning.

Federer, a four-time champion in the California desert, will take on 17th-seeded American Jack Sock, who toppled fourthseeded Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-3, 2-6, 6-2.

“Unfortunately I am unable to play today due to sickness,” Kyrgios said on Twitter. “At this stage we think it’s food poisoning, and I’m praying it’s nothing more.”

Kyrgios had been due to face Federer after knocking out Novak Djokovic in the last 16 on Wednesday.

The Australian’s illness is a cruel twist of fate for the talented 21-year-old, who has shown signs of finally starting to deliver on his promise in recent weeks after a young career marked by controversy.

His stylish win over Djokovic was the second time in as many weeks he had beaten the former world number one after also defeating the Serb in Acapulco.

In his statement on Friday, the world number 16 said he had taken the decision to pull out in California with a heavy heart.

Federer, meanwhile, tweeted his support to the Australian youngster.

“Hope you feel better @NickKyrgios,” said the Swiss ace, who took the court briefly on Friday to speak to disappointed fans.

“I was actually really looking forward to the match,” said Federer, who had looked sharp in a 6-2 6-3 dismantling of Rafael Nadal in the fourth round -- a reprise of his thrilling five-set victory over his old foe in the Australian Open final.

ALL-RUSSIAN FINAL

Twice Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova and 14th seed Elena Vesnina posted hardfought, straight-set wins in Friday’s semifinals to set up an all-Russian final.

Kuznetsova played exceptional defense and used her strong serve and a varied groundstroke attack to edge third seed Karolina Pliskova 7-6(5) 7-6(2) in a tense showdown following Vesnina’s 6-3 6-4 win over Kristina Mladenovic.

The 31-year-old eighth seed Kuznetsova rose to the occasion in the tiebreakers, storming out to a 6-2 lead in each.