Nick Kyrgios has withdrawn from his ATP Indian Wells Masters showdown with Roger Federer, blaming food poisoning for a sudden illness that left him unable to play.
Kyrgios had been due to face Federer in Friday's first quarter-finals after knocking out Novak Djokovic in the last 16 on Wednesday, but claimed he was "in no fit state to take to the court".
The Australian, ranked 16th in the world, endured a troubled night "of being sick" which means Federer will now meet the winner of the meeting between Jack Sock and Kei Nishikori for a place in Sunday's final.
"Unfortunately I am unable to play today due to sickness," Kyrgios said on Twitter. "At this stage we think it's food poisoning, and I'm praying it's nothing more.
"After a restless night of being sick I have nothing left and to play a great champion like Roger, I need to be at my best to have a chance.
"I don't take this decision lightly, these are the matches we train for but I'm in no fit state to take to the court. I'm sorry to the fans but I have to put my health first and I hope you understand.
"I want to wish Roger the best of luck for the rest of the tournament and thank everyone for their support so far here at the BNP Paribas Open. I will definitely be back. Thank you."
I'm so sorry but I can't play @BNPPARIBASOPEN today. 😢🤒 pic.twitter.com/K5spWRgtLk
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 17, 2017
Kyrgios's sudden illness is a cruel twist of fate for the talented 21-year-old, who has shown signs of finally starting to deliver on his promise in recent weeks after a young career marked by controversy.
His stylish win over Djokovic was the second time in as many weeks he had beaten the former world No 1 after also defeating the Serb in Acapulco.
Following his win over the Serb, Kyrgios had been seen raiding a spectator's portion of chips during his doubles quarter-final with Nenad Zimonjic against Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo.
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