Roger Federer through to Indian Wells semi-finals after Nick Kyrgios withdrawal

Sock improved to 15-2 this year and set up a semifinal against Roger Federer, who advanced via walkover when Nick Kyrgios withdrew with what the Australian suspected was food poisoning.

The 18-time Grand Slam victor showed why many think he’s greatest player of all time by taking the first set in just 21 minutes and winning 27 of 41 points.

But Federer, now ranked 10th in the world, said he isn’t tempted to start dreaming of a return to number one just yet, even with Murray pulling out of next week’s Miami Masters with an elbow injury and Djokovic reported to be bothered by elbow trouble as well.

“I mixed a lot of speed and spin”.

“It was tough in the end”, said Federer.

“(The) first one got away from me pretty quick”, Sock said.

Wawrinka needed a mere hour and six minutes to race past his Spanish opponent 6-3, 6-2.

Four times Indian Wells victor Roger Federer entered the semifinals of the Indian Wells tournament after Australian player Nick Kyrgios withdrew.

Sock had no such problems and he hit the mark right at the start of deciding third set by breaking Nishikori in the opening game as the world number five struggled to find the range on his usually pinpoint groundstrokes.

With Federer winning the Australian Open and Wawrinka claiming last September’s U.S. Open, Sunday’s final will bring together the two most recent grand slam champions.

“He’s very steady off the baseline and can play from really deep in the court”. I played one tournament past year where I felt normal and that was the Australian Open.

Indian Wells was a missed opportunity for the ATP field to emerge with a big title, but injuries to the top two men in the world have granted them another chance starting next week in Miami.

Wawrinka also consistently put the pressure on Busta and created eight break points, three of which he converted. “Its not always easy here. And I think if I go out there and play the right tennis and play the right strategy, I think I can give myself a shot”, he added.