Nick Kyrgios: I Wasn’t Surprised Federer Lost, But Part Of Me Wanted To Play Him

Nick Kyrgios is having another excellent Grand Slam run. Last year he shocked the tennis world beating Rafael Nadal en route to the Wimbledon quarterfinals. This week in his home country he’s again lighting things up. Today he advanced to the fourth round after dismissing Malek Jaziri in straight sets.

A victory today figured to put him up against Roger Federer in a Sunday blockbuster, but the Swiss was stunned in four sets by Andreas Seppi, a result that didn’t surprise the 19-year-old Kyrgios.

“I wasn’t like really surprised,” Kyrgios said of the Federer result. “I knew Seppi is capable of playing that sort of tennis, beat some of the top guys. I don’t think Roger played too bad at all. It was a tough match. Obviously I’d rather play Seppi than Federer, of course.

“There was a little part of me (that wanted to play Federer),” he added. “I was actually thinking a bit last night. I had a tough match last night. It’s hard not to think about playing possibly the greatest of all time. Everyone wants to play Roger. I can only dream about what Seppi is feeling right now to beat him in four sets on Rod Laver. That’s massive for him. But I get to play another great guy that’s been on tour for a long, long time.”

Kyrgios, who has been fighting a bad back this swing, beat Seppi last year at the US Open in straights in the second round.

“I know it’s going to be a really tough match in a couple days,” Kyrgios said. ‘I’m just going to do everything I can now to prepare. I played him once at US Open. That was a really, really tough match. I probably played the best tennis I played in my life. I need to be ready again.

“I served really well in New York. I have obviously got to be serving top notch to give myself a chance. In that match I was really solid from the back and I was playing aggressive. I think he knows what to expect. I know what’s coming, as well. I think it’s going to be a fun match.”

Added Seppi on the Australian, “He’s always a player who involves a little bit the crowd, always get pumped, especially here in Australia. It’s not going to be easy. But I think, you know, I have to approach it like today: go out there, enjoy the moment, just try to focus on my game, and try to play my best.”

The young star has yet to play on Rod Laver, but he doesn’t care where the match is.

“I don’t mind. I’ll request Court 20. I don’t mind.”