Advertisement

Nick Kyrgios mimics Roger Federer with outrageous piece of skill

Nick Kyrgios has pulled off a remarkable piece of skill made famous by the great Roger Federer.

Kyrgios returned to winning ways after his limp performance at last week’s Shanghai Masters once again raised questions about his effort in ATP matches.

The Aussie toughed it out for an hour and 29 minutes in a 6-3 4-6 6-4 first-round win at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow against local Andrey Rublev.

And Kyrgios resorted to a sneaky tactic to throw Rublev off his game.

Kyrgios channelled Federer. Image: Tennis TV
Kyrgios channelled Federer. Image: Tennis TV

As you can see in the video above, the Aussie youngster charged in on Rublev’s first serves, half-volleying the ball back for a number of winners.

The audacious tactic left Rublev stunned, with no time to react after his service motion.

The tactic was made famous by Federer about a decade ago and was even dubbed the SABR – Sneak Attack by Roger.

One fan even went as far as to say Kyrgios had mastered it better than the Swiss Maestro.

Kyrgios will play Bosnian Mirza Basic in the second round.

Kyrgios ‘surprised’ by Russian love

He said he was “surprised” to be cheered by the home crowd as he beat the local favourite.

The temperamental Australian, seeded fifth in Moscow, fired 24 aces to win his first-ever meeting with the 20-year-old.

“I love to play indoors and we played a lot with Andrey in juniors. He’s going to have a great career,” Kyrgios said.

“I was surprised that the public cheered me here. It’s nice.

Nick Kyrgios celebrates. Image: Getty
Nick Kyrgios celebrates. Image: Getty

“Normally when I’m not at home I’m not the most loved person but it was nice to hear some cheering.

“I felt almost at home here.”

with agencies