Nick Kyrgios beats Berdych to reach semifinals in Dubai

The six-time Australian Open champion last retired from the middle of a game in 2011 when he was playing Argentina’s Juan Martin del Potro in the Davis Cup semifinals. Only Stan Wawrinka survived, with world number one Novak Djokovic two others sent packing.

That gave Wawrinka plenty of time to engage with the crowd: He handed towels to numerous fans, signed balls and brochures, scribbled on arms and shirts, and vanished off court for press and an early night-not a bad way to prepare for his first ATP500 final since winning both Rotterdam and Tokyo previous year. I was sort of struggling with a couple of niggles.

“I was hesitating, always being behind”. For me now to play him tomorrow it’s a good challenge. “Everybody was saying it’s fast, need to play aggressive. I’ve got the right people around me, so I’m just working hard and making the most of it when I’m on the court”.

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After the sledge, the Swiss star told reporters: “No, he [Kyrgios] didn’t apologise, so no. But I prefer not to talk about him”. The Aussie hit a backhand return victor to get a second break opportunity but Wawrinka ventured up front to save it. Wawrinka mis-hit a forehand to face a third break point and this time Kyrgios did not falter, breaking with an inside-out forehand drive to draw level at 4-4.

Kei Nishikori, who was coming off a title run at Memphis less than two weeks ago, bombed out of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, losing 6-4, 6-3 to Sam Querrey Wednesday.

For the second day in a row, Kyrgios received treatment on his back during a match. “I get to stay in Dubai another day, I guess”.

But Kyrgios said there won’t be a problem: “Since the incident”. “But I could still improve, and I’m happy I did”. Conditions here are so different, so much quicker. “I’m enjoying my practice sessions more”.

The Czech, who arrived in the Gulf after a Marseille semi-final, has twice finished beaten finalist at the Aviation Club. Bagdhatis defeated Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-4, 6-2.

The fourth-seeded Spaniard carried a 16-3 record into this quarterfinal, but Bautista Agut completely imploded in the second set.

“He pushed me a bit more, but overall my performance was quite good.it’s good to go through and not make things too complicated”.

Djokovic, who celebrated his 700th career victory yesterday, was out of sorts from the start today.