Nick
Kyrgios and Stan Wawrinka will meet for the first time since last
year's infamous sledging incident in Friday's semi-final of the Dubai
Tennis Championship.
A
red-hot Kyrgios stormed to his eighth successive win with an
impressive 6-4 6-4 victory over world No.7 Tomas Berdych on Thursday
to book his spot in the last-four.
It
follows his maiden ATP tournament success in Marseille on Sunday
where he also beat the third-seeded Czech in the semi-finals.
World
No.4 Wawrinka brushed aside Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-5 6-1
to set up a meeting with Kyrgios.
The
controversial Kyrgios incensed former Australian and French Open
champion Wawrinka when he made comments about his girlfriend during a
match in Canada last August.
"What
was said I wouldn't say to my worst enemy. To stoop so low is not
only unacceptable but also beyond belief," Wawrinka Tweeted
after the incident.
The
pair were reportedly involved in a locker room bust-up before Kyrgios
issued an apology and accepted a $US10,000 ATP fine and a six-month
suspended ban.
The
Australian celebrated the end of that suspended sentence on Sunday
with victory over Marin Cilic in the Marseille decider and heads in
to the clash with the Swiss in the best form of his young career.
Despite
struggling with a back problem and food poisoning, he produced a
superb display against Berdych, losing just four points on his serve
in the second set and sending down 10 aces in a match that lasted
just under 90 minutes.
"I
wasn't in the greatest shape, obviously. I think I got a bit of food
poisoning last night," Kyrgios said.
"I
was really surprised with the performance I gave out there today,
coming out and beating a quality player and in tough conditions.
"It's
probably my favourite win over the last couple of weeks.
"It's
tough, especially with Tomas. He's so diligent with everything he
does, so professional.
"For
me to come out there and put in a great performance like that... I
just took my chances when they came.
"Conditions
were really fast. When one of us got a pretty good strike, I think
the point was pretty much over.
"I
served well and competed well. I'm very, very happy."
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