Federer shows up Kyrgios in practice for Cincinnati Open

Roger Federer and Nick Kyrgios have shared a funny exchange on the practice court ahead of the Cincinnati Open.

Federer and Kyrgios were both tuning up at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre at the same time on Monday, preparing for the hard-court event.

But the Aussie youngster wasn’t too impressed with Federer’s presence.

Kyrgios took to Instagram after his session to bemoan the fact that Federer had drawn all the crowd attention away.

Posting a shirtless pic with a salty look on his face and Federer standing over him in the background, Kyrgios wrote: “When no one wants to keep watching you play when the 👑 arrives. Cheers @rogerfederer.”

Federer commented on the photo: “Looking much more relaxed than yesterday pal.”

It was standing room only on the outside courts on Monday, and fans were understandably dying to get a chance to see the Swiss Maestro.

Federer ‘anxious’ ahead of return in Cincinnati

Federer says he’s feeling confident but anxious as the 20-time grand slam champion prepares to make his return to the hard courts.

Federer has not played since losing his Wimbledon quarter-final to Kevin Anderson, having opted to skip the Citi Open and Rogers Cup in a bid to ease his schedule.

The 37-year-old – a seven-time Cincinnati champion – will face Peter Gojowczyk on Wednesday, his first hard-court match since March.

Speaking ahead of his 1,416th Tour match, Federer – who is seeking his 99th title – told reporters: “I’ve been practising on hard courts, so it’s not like I haven’t played on hard courts for forever.

“I feel I am really ready to go. Anxious actually. Cincy has been a great tournament for me in the past. It’s great to be back and hopefully I can play a good tournament.”

Federer has enjoyed an incredible renaissance since undergoing knee surgery in February 2016, winning two Australian Open titles and an eighth Wimbledon crown.

Seeded second in Cincinnati, Federer said smart scheduling has been key to his longevity on the ATP circuit.

“Because of the knee problem and the surgery I had and the six months I took, it’s made it much easier,” Federer said.

“It puts everything in perspective and you’re happier to take a week off and stay on tour and be healthy rather than be playing, playing, playing and something pops and you are out for the count, maybe forever.

“It is hard emotionally because you wish you could play everything, but in return I get a more relaxed schedule, I can plan much better with my family, which is super important to me and I can also plan my practices with my coaches and everybody’s rhythm is known.

“If I want to play more I can always do that. If I want to play less, I can do that too. So I feel I have passed the hectic part of my life. Because of the rhythm I feel everything is quite comfortable.”

with Omnisport