Following the news that Nick Kyrgios had been forced to withdraw from their BNP Paribas Open quarter-final clash, Roger Federer took to Stadium 1 on Friday to engage with the fans by chatting on court to Andrew Krasny.
“I told Tommy [Haas – Tournament Director], when he told me in the locker room, that whatever he needs, I'm happy to do,” said Federer. “If there was going to be people on court, I was happy to explain myself. Nick couldn't be here because he was ill, otherwise we'd be playing a match right now.
“I was actually really looking forward to the match. That's just how tennis goes. It's a pity, but I'm really happy with my time in Indian Wells and hopefully I'm going to play a good match tomorrow.”
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The 35-year-old Federer will play the winner of the upcoming clash between Kei Nishikori and Jack Sock in Saturday’s semi-final. The Swiss star is looking to win his second title of the season, having made his comeback from a six-month injury layoff in stunning fashion, by capturing his 18th Grand Slam championship at the Australian Open with a five-set victory over Rafael Nadal.
Drawn in the ‘Group of Death’ at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Federer produced a phenomenal display to beat Nadal again in the fourth round on Wednesday. “I played unbelievably against Rafa and I couldn't be more happy,” said Federer.
“The six months off last year was really difficult. I played one tournament last year where I felt normal and that was the Australian Open. At all the other tournaments, I was sick, hurt, injured or not well.
“To be back on court, feeling normal again is so nice and you feel like you're happy and fresh and I'm trying to show that to the people,” continued the Basel native. “I think it's translating to my game also. I can play freely and take chances like I have nothing to lose. Might be one of the first times in a long, long time that I've felt this way. It's incredible that it's paying off in my results. I still feel like I'm on the comeback and we'll see what the year brings.”
