Australian professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios and Spanish player Fernando Verdasco got engaged in a social media spat at the Miami Open.&nbsp;

The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was preparing to play Verdasco in the third round following his epic upset of Roger Federer on the weekend.&nbsp;

"I hope TK wins this match, fernando is the saltiest dude," Kyrgios wrote, adding, "must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies."&nbsp;

However, the tweet was deleted after a few minutes.

Fernando, who has a poor run against Australian players, recently lost to Alex de Minaur in the first round at the Sydney International in January.&nbsp;

But, the world number 39 broke his losing streak in a fiery match against Kokkinakis, coming back from a set down to win a third set tiebreak. He'll play countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round.&nbsp;

After his victory over Kokkinakis, an angry Verdasco took to Twitter to hit back.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> when you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don’t delete it.
— Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) <a href="https://twitter.com/FerVerdasco/status/978377603999588353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kyrgios, who enjoyed a speedy 6-3 6-3 win on Monday to reach the fourth round, did not end the spat there and fired off one final message:

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I would honestly have told it to Fernando’s face, the reason I deleted my previous tweet was because I didn’t want to cause unwanted attention, but I’m just gonna leave this here. Thanks for blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot of courage x
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios/status/978399471682965504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Verdasco on Tuesday will face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the 16th seed.&nbsp;Whereas, Kyrgios will battle German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

 
&nbsp;

The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis

Australian professional tennis player Nick Kyrgios and Spanish player Fernando Verdasco got engaged in a social media spat at the Miami Open. The drama started when Kyrgios tweeted his support for close mate Thanasi Kokkinakis, who was preparing to play Verdasco in the third round following his epic upset of Roger Federer on the weekend. "I hope TK wins this match, fernando is the saltiest dude," Kyrgios wrote, adding, "must be frustrated at his past success against Aussies." However, the tweet was deleted after a few minutes. Fernando, who has a poor run against Australian players, recently lost to Alex de Minaur in the first round at the Sydney International in January. But, the world number 39 broke his losing streak in a fiery match against Kokkinakis, coming back from a set down to win a third set tiebreak. He'll play countryman Pablo Carreno Busta in the fourth round. After his victory over Kokkinakis, an angry Verdasco took to Twitter to hit back. @NickKyrgios when you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don’t delete it. — Fernando Verdasco (@FerVerdasco) March 26, 2018 × Kyrgios, who enjoyed a speedy 6-3 6-3 win on Monday to reach the fourth round, did not end the spat there and fired off one final message: I would honestly have told it to Fernando’s face, the reason I deleted my previous tweet was because I didn’t want to cause unwanted attention, but I’m just gonna leave this here. Thanks for blocking me, I’m sure that took a lot of courage x — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) March 26, 2018 × Verdasco on Tuesday will face fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the 16th seed. Whereas, Kyrgios will battle German fourth seed Alexander Zverev.

Kyrgios, Verdasco engage in Twitter spat at Miami Open

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open despite admitting he's lacking the match fitness to properly compete for the title.

Kyrgios arrived in South Florida having not played for two months thanks to a troublesome elbow injury which forced him to withdraw from tournaments in Rotterdam, Delray Beach, Acapulco and Indian Wells in recent weeks.

His 6-3, 6-3 victory here Monday against the Italian world No. 18 Fabio Fognini certainly suggested a return to peak form is attainable.

The Australian took just 29 minutes to win the first set and although Fognini battled hard in the second, it wasn’t enough to stop the 22-year-old who was powerfully crashing the ball around the court from all angles.

Yet afterwards, Kyrgios, who will face either David Ferrer or Alexander Zverev for a place in the final eight, insisted his injury problems are refusing to go away.

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Is <a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> smiling because he just won or because <a href="https://twitter.com/gordonhayward?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gordonhayward</a> is in the stands? <a href="https://t.co/mkrl5fmaOm">pic.twitter.com/mkrl5fmaOm</a>
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/978367894521335808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"I came here not expecting too much," he said. "I have been having back spasms and am nowhere close to 100 percent.

"So winning matches like this are a great confidence boost for me. I am only at 70 percent so I am just trying to get through and take it very slowly.

"I haven't been able to train hard. I am just slowly building myself up."

Kyrgios was serving and hitting powerfully, a sure sign that the elbow problem which has hampered him so far in 2018 seems to be on the mend.

"I am trying to keep everything lose, the elbow was feeling better a couple of weeks ago.

"I was feeling good and then I started having back spasms. I just have to keep my body moving and feel warm and loose."

With the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka still out with injuries and Novak Djokovic desperately trying to return from a persistent elbow problem, Kyrgios isn’t alone when it comes to playing through the pain barrier.

"I have had a couple of niggling injuries during my career though no surgery yet touch wood," he added.

"I am working hard in the gym but I still need to tick some boxes when it comes to professionalism."

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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!<a href="https://twitter.com/NickKyrgios?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NickKyrgios</a> takes the early lead 6-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpNyiS5Tq9">pic.twitter.com/GpNyiS5Tq9</a>
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/978353355654393858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kyrgios began the match confidently, getting an early break to storm to a 3-0 lead.

Fognini was cutting a frustrated figure in the afternoon sun, his inability to make inroads into the rapid fire Kyrgios' serve causing the 30-year old to angrily lay bare his frustrations on more than one occasion.

The Australian, however, was far more consistent and when he broke again early in the second set, the writing was very much on the wall for an opponent who simply didn’t have any answers.

His serve was clocked at an impressive 137 mph but Kyrgios, who never seems too far away from a meltdown, had to dig deep in an attempt to close out the match.

Fognini, however, was unable to pull himself back into the match and another break of serve put the seal on a good afternoon’s work for Kyrgios who was boosted by having Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward in his box here in Key Biscayne.

"It’s been great to have him around," says Kyrgios, who is a huge NBA fan and follows the Celtics.

Fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis failed to build on his win over Roger Federer in the previous round, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to Spain's Fernando Verdasco, while Canadian Denis Shapovalov outlasted American Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

Verdasco's win was a fiery affair with the Spaniard accusing Kokkinakis' father of talking between points in the deciding set.

Verdasco also called out Kyrgios, who before the match suggested on Twitter that the Verdasco is "the saltiest dude" because of his past experience playing Australians.

"When you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don't delete it," countered Verdasco.

&nbsp

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open

Nick Kyrgios moved into the fourth round of the Miami Open despite admitting he's lacking the match fitness to properly compete for the title. Kyrgios arrived in South Florida having not played for two months thanks to a troublesome elbow injury which forced him to withdraw from tournaments in Rotterdam, Delray Beach, Acapulco and Indian Wells in recent weeks. His 6-3, 6-3 victory here Monday against the Italian world No. 18 Fabio Fognini certainly suggested a return to peak form is attainable. The Australian took just 29 minutes to win the first set and although Fognini battled hard in the second, it wasn’t enough to stop the 22-year-old who was powerfully crashing the ball around the court from all angles. Yet afterwards, Kyrgios, who will face either David Ferrer or Alexander Zverev for a place in the final eight, insisted his injury problems are refusing to go away. Is @NickKyrgios smiling because he just won or because @gordonhayward is in the stands? pic.twitter.com/mkrl5fmaOm — Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2018 × "I came here not expecting too much," he said. "I have been having back spasms and am nowhere close to 100 percent. "So winning matches like this are a great confidence boost for me. I am only at 70 percent so I am just trying to get through and take it very slowly. "I haven't been able to train hard. I am just slowly building myself up." Kyrgios was serving and hitting powerfully, a sure sign that the elbow problem which has hampered him so far in 2018 seems to be on the mend. "I am trying to keep everything lose, the elbow was feeling better a couple of weeks ago. "I was feeling good and then I started having back spasms. I just have to keep my body moving and feel warm and loose." With the likes of Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka still out with injuries and Novak Djokovic desperately trying to return from a persistent elbow problem, Kyrgios isn’t alone when it comes to playing through the pain barrier. "I have had a couple of niggling injuries during my career though no surgery yet touch wood," he added. "I am working hard in the gym but I still need to tick some boxes when it comes to professionalism." Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!@NickKyrgios takes the early lead 6-3.#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/GpNyiS5Tq9 — Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2018 × Kyrgios began the match confidently, getting an early break to storm to a 3-0 lead. Fognini was cutting a frustrated figure in the afternoon sun, his inability to make inroads into the rapid fire Kyrgios' serve causing the 30-year old to angrily lay bare his frustrations on more than one occasion. The Australian, however, was far more consistent and when he broke again early in the second set, the writing was very much on the wall for an opponent who simply didn’t have any answers. His serve was clocked at an impressive 137 mph but Kyrgios, who never seems too far away from a meltdown, had to dig deep in an attempt to close out the match. Fognini, however, was unable to pull himself back into the match and another break of serve put the seal on a good afternoon’s work for Kyrgios who was boosted by having Boston Celtics star Gordon Hayward in his box here in Key Biscayne. "It’s been great to have him around," says Kyrgios, who is a huge NBA fan and follows the Celtics. Fellow Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis failed to build on his win over Roger Federer in the previous round, falling 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to Spain's Fernando Verdasco, while Canadian Denis Shapovalov outlasted American Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 7-5. Verdasco's win was a fiery affair with the Spaniard accusing Kokkinakis' father of talking between points in the deciding set. Verdasco also called out Kyrgios, who before the match suggested on Twitter that the Verdasco is "the saltiest dude" because of his past experience playing Australians. "When you have the courage to put a tweet insulting another player you need to have the same to don't delete it," countered Verdasco.

Kyrgios cruises into fourth round of Miami Open

Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic dashed out of the Miami Open after suffering a second-round defeat on Saturday as he continues his return from an injury.Djokovic lost 6-3, 6-4 to French world number 47 Benoit Paire in a match, which lasted over 69 minutes.

It is Djokovic`s third consecutive defeat since he reached the Australian Open fourth round, where he made a comeback after a six-month injury lay-off.

Earlier this month, the Serb was knocked out of the Indian Wells Masters after losing to Taro Daniel of Japan in the second round tie.&quot;I mean, I`m trying, but it`s not working. That`s all.

That`s all it is. I`m not feeling great when I`m playing this way. Of course, I want to be able to play as well as I want to play. Just it`s impossible at the moment.

That`s all. I lost to a better player,&quot; Djokovic said post his defeat.Elsewhere in Miami, Belgium No. 1 David Goffin was defeated by Portugal`s Joao Sousa 6-0 6-1.Goffin was playing his comeback match after sustaining an eye injury at the Rotterdam Open in January.Later in the day, World No. 1 Roger Federer will begin his Miami Open campaign against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia.&nbsp;

It is Djokovic`s third consecutive defeat

Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic dashed out of the Miami Open after suffering a second-round defeat on Saturday as he continues his return from an injury.Djokovic lost 6-3, 6-4 to French world number 47 Benoit Paire in a match, which lasted over 69 minutes. It is Djokovic`s third consecutive defeat since he reached the Australian Open fourth round, where he made a comeback after a six-month injury lay-off. Earlier this month, the Serb was knocked out of the Indian Wells Masters after losing to Taro Daniel of Japan in the second round tie."I mean, I`m trying, but it`s not working. That`s all. That`s all it is. I`m not feeling great when I`m playing this way. Of course, I want to be able to play as well as I want to play. Just it`s impossible at the moment. That`s all. I lost to a better player," Djokovic said post his defeat.Elsewhere in Miami, Belgium No. 1 David Goffin was defeated by Portugal`s Joao Sousa 6-0 6-1.Goffin was playing his comeback match after sustaining an eye injury at the Rotterdam Open in January.Later in the day, World No. 1 Roger Federer will begin his Miami Open campaign against Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia.

Novak Djokovic out of Miami Open

Roger Federer defeated long-standing rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the Miami Open on Sunday and continue his outstanding start to the year.

Since returning from his six month injury lay-off, the 35-year-old Federer has also won the Australian Open and Indian Wells and he heads into the clay season as, once again, the dominant presence on the ATP Tour.

Federer has beaten Nadal in all of those events this year and has now won his last four meetings between the pair.&nbsp;

The Spaniard was playing in his fifth Miami final but remains without a win in the Masters series event.

The first set was a tight affair with both players having their opportunities to break but it was not until the eighth game and 10th break point of the set that one of them was able to get ahead.

Nadal could only find the net from a Federer backhand and the Swiss grabbed a 5-3 lead and he comfortably held the next game to secure the first set.

There has always been a marked contrast between Federer and Nadal&#39;s differing styles and with time it has become further accentuated.

Nadal was working hard in the 83 degrees afternoon heat, thrusting himself into his shots while the elegant Federer&#39;s poise appeared almost casual.&nbsp;

The second set took an almost identical path, albeit with fewer openings to break for both players until Federer again pounced, to grab a 5-4 lead when Nadal went long returning a fine backhand.

(AFP)

Federer overwhelmed Nadal 6-3, 6-4 in just under two hours to claim an impressive win

Roger Federer defeated long-standing rival Rafael Nadal 6-3, 6-4 to win the Miami Open on Sunday and continue his outstanding start to the year. Since returning from his six month injury lay-off, the 35-year-old Federer has also won the Australian Open and Indian Wells and he heads into the clay season as, once again, the dominant presence on the ATP Tour. Federer has beaten Nadal in all of those events this year and has now won his last four meetings between the pair. The Spaniard was playing in his fifth Miami final but remains without a win in the Masters series event. The first set was a tight affair with both players having their opportunities to break but it was not until the eighth game and 10th break point of the set that one of them was able to get ahead. Nadal could only find the net from a Federer backhand and the Swiss grabbed a 5-3 lead and he comfortably held the next game to secure the first set. There has always been a marked contrast between Federer and Nadal's differing styles and with time it has become further accentuated. Nadal was working hard in the 83 degrees afternoon heat, thrusting himself into his shots while the elegant Federer's poise appeared almost casual. The second set took an almost identical path, albeit with fewer openings to break for both players until Federer again pounced, to grab a 5-4 lead when Nadal went long returning a fine backhand. (AFP)

Federer downs Nadal to lift Miami Masters

Johanna Konta defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3&nbsp; to win the Miami Open on Saturday - the biggest title won by a British woman in 40 years.

Konta, who had never won an elite WTA premier mandatory event, will move to number seven in the world rankings with the victory.

She began superbly, breaking to love in the opening game before Wozniacki swiftly broke back to level at 2-2.

After another break each, the Briton took advantage of two double-faults from the Dane to break to 5-4 and serve out for the set.

There was a similar pattern to the start of the second set, with the pair exchanging breaks in the first two game. The key moment came when Konta broke to go 4-3 up, with a little help from the net cord.

Konta then broke again, with a lob on match-point, to secure the biggest win of her career and the best by a British woman since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977.

(AFP)

Johanna Konta's win is the biggest title won by a British woman in four decades

Johanna Konta defeated Caroline Wozniacki 6-4, 6-3 to win the Miami Open on Saturday - the biggest title won by a British woman in 40 years. Konta, who had never won an elite WTA premier mandatory event, will move to number seven in the world rankings with the victory. She began superbly, breaking to love in the opening game before Wozniacki swiftly broke back to level at 2-2. After another break each, the Briton took advantage of two double-faults from the Dane to break to 5-4 and serve out for the set. There was a similar pattern to the start of the second set, with the pair exchanging breaks in the first two game. The key moment came when Konta broke to go 4-3 up, with a little help from the net cord. Konta then broke again, with a lob on match-point, to secure the biggest win of her career and the best by a British woman since Virginia Wade won Wimbledon in 1977. (AFP)

Konta beats Wozniacki to lift maiden Miami title

Roger&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;dramatically fought his way into the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Swiss, who has already won the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year, extended his win streak over Berdych to seven matches.

There was plenty of tension in the match-deciding tie-breaker, where&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;saved match point and then Berdych lost on a double-fault.

&quot;I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today,&quot;&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said. &quot;I fought and Tomas definitely started to step it up, but it was a great match at the end.&quot;

Federer&nbsp;will face Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals after the Australian came through an entertaining 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 victory over 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev.

Should&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;win Friday, there is a chance he will play Sunday&#39;s final against long-standing rival Rafael Nadal, who faces Italy&#39;s Fabio Fognini in the other semi-final.

But Thursday could very easily have been the end of the tournament for the&nbsp;18-time Grand Slam champion, who entered the match having not dropped a set over eight consecutive matches at Indian Wells and Miami.

Berdych was broken in the opening game of the match and then&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;dealt with a break point in the second game. The Swiss was comfortable on his serve and then broke Berdych again at 4-2 to put the opening set beyond doubt.

But then, the Czech dug deep and came out fighting.

Berdych broke to go 5-3 up and took the contest into a third set, where&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;made the most of some unforced errors from his opponent to break at 4-2 but then, uncharacteristically,&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;let some sloppiness creep into his game.

Federer&nbsp;was broken when serving for the match at 5-3 and was unable to convert on match-point at in the next game.

Berdych led 6-4 in the tie-breaker but gave up two points and&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;blasted a superb ace to get in front before the double-fault from the Czech ended the contest.

It was the second demoralising defeat this month for Berdych. He lost at Indian Wells in the third round after leading 6-1, 5-2 against Japan&#39;s Yoshihito Nishioka.

Asked about his frustration, Berdych said: &quot;What should I do? Should I destroy the table? Then you see how much I&#39;m frustrated. I don&#39;t know.

&quot;It&#39;s obviously not something that you want, to finish the tournament like that. But I got a lesson in the last tournament, so this is going to be fine to get over with. I think this is going to be a strawberry cake after that. It&#39;s going to be fine.&quot;

Federer&nbsp;improved to 17-1 in 2017, his best start to a season since 2006, and has now won seven tie-breakers in a row.

The Kyrgios-Zverev quarter-final was billed as a glimpse at the future of top-level tennis and if so, the sport should have an entertaining era ahead.

The match featured huge serves from Kyrgios, audacious and expertly executed lobs from Zverev and an intense second set tie-breaker decided for the German after his rival tried unsuccessfully to return a lob on set point through his legs.

Kyrgios, though, has added greater control to his always explosive game and finished strong to set up a fascinating clash with&nbsp;Federer.

(AFP)

The reigning Australian Open champion saved a match point in the deciding set tie-breaker to sneak through to the semi-finals

Roger Federer dramatically fought his way into the Miami Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) victory over Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych on Thursday. The 35-year-old Swiss, who has already won the Australian Open and Indian Wells so far this year, extended his win streak over Berdych to seven matches. There was plenty of tension in the match-deciding tie-breaker, where Federer saved match point and then Berdych lost on a double-fault. "I definitely got very lucky at the end, but I think I showed great heart today," Federer said. "I fought and Tomas definitely started to step it up, but it was a great match at the end." Federer will face Nick Kyrgios in the semi-finals after the Australian came through an entertaining 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 victory over 19-year-old German Alexander Zverev. Should Federer win Friday, there is a chance he will play Sunday's final against long-standing rival Rafael Nadal, who faces Italy's Fabio Fognini in the other semi-final. But Thursday could very easily have been the end of the tournament for the 18-time Grand Slam champion, who entered the match having not dropped a set over eight consecutive matches at Indian Wells and Miami. Berdych was broken in the opening game of the match and then Federer dealt with a break point in the second game. The Swiss was comfortable on his serve and then broke Berdych again at 4-2 to put the opening set beyond doubt. But then, the Czech dug deep and came out fighting. Berdych broke to go 5-3 up and took the contest into a third set, where Federer made the most of some unforced errors from his opponent to break at 4-2 but then, uncharacteristically, Federer let some sloppiness creep into his game. Federer was broken when serving for the match at 5-3 and was unable to convert on match-point at in the next game. Berdych led 6-4 in the tie-breaker but gave up two points and Federer blasted a superb ace to get in front before the double-fault from the Czech ended the contest. It was the second demoralising defeat this month for Berdych. He lost at Indian Wells in the third round after leading 6-1, 5-2 against Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka. Asked about his frustration, Berdych said: "What should I do? Should I destroy the table? Then you see how much I'm frustrated. I don't know. "It's obviously not something that you want, to finish the tournament like that. But I got a lesson in the last tournament, so this is going to be fine to get over with. I think this is going to be a strawberry cake after that. It's going to be fine." Federer improved to 17-1 in 2017, his best start to a season since 2006, and has now won seven tie-breakers in a row. The Kyrgios-Zverev quarter-final was billed as a glimpse at the future of top-level tennis and if so, the sport should have an entertaining era ahead. The match featured huge serves from Kyrgios, audacious and expertly executed lobs from Zverev and an intense second set tie-breaker decided for the German after his rival tried unsuccessfully to return a lob on set point through his legs. Kyrgios, though, has added greater control to his always explosive game and finished strong to set up a fascinating clash with Federer. (AFP)

Miami Masters: Federer pips Berdych to set up clash with Kyrgios

Venus Williams beat top seed Angelique Kerber on Wednesday to advance to a Miami Open semi-final against Britain&#39;s Johanna Konta.

American 11th seed Williams, who is seeking her fourth Miami title, survived a long first set before she completed a 7-5 6-3 victory over Germany`s Kerber on a calm evening in south Florida.

Konta, the 10th seed, had earlier recovered from the brink of defeat to edge third seed Simona Halep in a three-set encounter that lasted two hours, 30 minutes.

Halep was only two points from victory in the second set, but could not put away her opponent, who pounced on the Romanian&#39;s evident emotional fragility to prevail 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2.

Williams, 36, whose previous Miami titles came in 1998, 1999 and 2001, will meet Konta in the semi-final, while Czech second seek Karolina Pliskova faces Danish 12th seed Carolina Wozniacki.

Williams, playing in front of a crowd that included her popcorn-munching father Richard, took nearly an hour to take the first set from Kerber, but made quicker work of the second.

Halep, meanwhile, got down on herself after losing the second set tiebreak to Konta.

&quot;It was a really tough match, very high level,&quot; Halep told the WTA. &quot;I was so close to winning, I was two points away in the tiebreak, but she played very strong and deserved to win.&quot;

Despite the result, Halep took comfort from a solid tournament as she works her way back from a knee injury.

&quot;I&#39;m happy to be here after the break that I had. I`m just disappointed I lost a match I had in my hands. But my confidence is there, the game is there, I just need to play matches.&quot;

Her post-match comments were more positive than her negative remarks to coach Darren Cahill after the second set.

&quot;This is my character,&quot; Halep grumbled to her coach. &quot;Two double faults at the end of the tiebreak and I miss all the balls.&quot;

Cahill told a sullen Halep she was a better athlete than Konta, imploring her to make her opponent run in the third set.

&quot;You can write yourself off but I`m not writing you off,&quot; Cahill said. &quot;It`s up to you. It comes from within ... be brave in the big moments.&quot;&nbsp;

But Halep was completely outplayed in the final set, and she said afterwards her exchange with Cahill was nothing out of the ordinary.

&quot;It`s just my personality to be hard on myself. I want to change that in the future. I can say that I`m better than before, and I&#39;m working on it.&quot;

(Reuters)

Venus faces Britain's Johanna Konta in the semis

Venus Williams beat top seed Angelique Kerber on Wednesday to advance to a Miami Open semi-final against Britain's Johanna Konta. American 11th seed Williams, who is seeking her fourth Miami title, survived a long first set before she completed a 7-5 6-3 victory over Germany`s Kerber on a calm evening in south Florida. Konta, the 10th seed, had earlier recovered from the brink of defeat to edge third seed Simona Halep in a three-set encounter that lasted two hours, 30 minutes. Halep was only two points from victory in the second set, but could not put away her opponent, who pounced on the Romanian's evident emotional fragility to prevail 3-6 7-6(7) 6-2. Williams, 36, whose previous Miami titles came in 1998, 1999 and 2001, will meet Konta in the semi-final, while Czech second seek Karolina Pliskova faces Danish 12th seed Carolina Wozniacki. Williams, playing in front of a crowd that included her popcorn-munching father Richard, took nearly an hour to take the first set from Kerber, but made quicker work of the second. Halep, meanwhile, got down on herself after losing the second set tiebreak to Konta. "It was a really tough match, very high level," Halep told the WTA. "I was so close to winning, I was two points away in the tiebreak, but she played very strong and deserved to win." Despite the result, Halep took comfort from a solid tournament as she works her way back from a knee injury. "I'm happy to be here after the break that I had. I`m just disappointed I lost a match I had in my hands. But my confidence is there, the game is there, I just need to play matches." Her post-match comments were more positive than her negative remarks to coach Darren Cahill after the second set. "This is my character," Halep grumbled to her coach. "Two double faults at the end of the tiebreak and I miss all the balls." Cahill told a sullen Halep she was a better athlete than Konta, imploring her to make her opponent run in the third set. "You can write yourself off but I`m not writing you off," Cahill said. "It`s up to you. It comes from within ... be brave in the big moments." But Halep was completely outplayed in the final set, and she said afterwards her exchange with Cahill was nothing out of the ordinary. "It`s just my personality to be hard on myself. I want to change that in the future. I can say that I`m better than before, and I'm working on it." (Reuters)

Venus Williams beats top seed Angelique Kerber in Miami Open quarters

Rafa Nadal celebrated his 1,000th tour-level match with a come-from-behind victory over German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday.

World number 31 Kohlschreiber was on fire early, ripping through the first set in only 21 minutes but fifth seed Nadal flipped the switch and turned the match on its head to prevail 0-6 6-2 6-3 on the main stadium hard court at Crandon Park.

It was the first time Nadal had failed to win a game in the first set of an ATP tour match since 2008, the ATP said.

The 30-year-old Spaniard ignited the near-capacity crowd with a typically determined comeback to clinch his 822nd career victory.

He joins a small group of 11 players headed by Jimmy Connors (1,535) to have played at least 1,000 matches.

&quot;One thousand matches is a lot of matches. Obviously, that&#39;s good news because that says I am having a long career,&quot; Nadal told reporters.

&quot;During a lot of years, I heard that I&#39;m going to have a short career, so it&#39;s something important for me. I remember the first match very well because it was at home in Mallorca. It was my first victory on the ATP and was a great feeling.&quot;

Nadal said he had not done much wrong in the first set against an opponent who was in the zone.

&quot;He was doing everything good, so that&#39;s sport. I lose the set because he was playing too good. That&#39;s it.

&quot;But a match is long and the positive thing is I held the pressure well this afternoon after a very tough first set. I resisted well in the first few games of the second set and then I think I played a great second and third set.&quot;

While Nadal played in the relative comfort of the late afternoon, Kei Nishikori also took three sets and nearly three hours to advance under a high noon sun, outlasting Spain&#39;s Fernando Verdasco 7-6(2) 6-7(5) 6-1.

Nishikori, the runner-up to Novak Djokovic last year, fired 37 winners but Verdasco, aided by persistent swirling winds, used his varying pace and depth to rattle Japan&#39;s number one, inducing 48 unforced errors.

Milos Raonic withdrew before his match against American qualifier Jared Donaldson, blaming a persistent hamstring injury.

&quot;It&#39;s related to the previous injury I sustained almost four weeks ago... in Delray Beach,&quot; the Canadian told reporters.

Raonic said he would not return to the tour until he felt 100 per cent fit.

&quot;That could be in two weeks, that could be a little bit longer.&quot;

(Reuters)

The 30-year-old Spaniard ignited the near-capacity crowd with a typically determined comeback to clinch his 822nd career victory

Rafa Nadal celebrated his 1,000th tour-level match with a come-from-behind victory over German veteran Philipp Kohlschreiber to reach the fourth round of the Miami Open on Sunday. World number 31 Kohlschreiber was on fire early, ripping through the first set in only 21 minutes but fifth seed Nadal flipped the switch and turned the match on its head to prevail 0-6 6-2 6-3 on the main stadium hard court at Crandon Park. It was the first time Nadal had failed to win a game in the first set of an ATP tour match since 2008, the ATP said. The 30-year-old Spaniard ignited the near-capacity crowd with a typically determined comeback to clinch his 822nd career victory. He joins a small group of 11 players headed by Jimmy Connors (1,535) to have played at least 1,000 matches. "One thousand matches is a lot of matches. Obviously, that's good news because that says I am having a long career," Nadal told reporters. "During a lot of years, I heard that I'm going to have a short career, so it's something important for me. I remember the first match very well because it was at home in Mallorca. It was my first victory on the ATP and was a great feeling." Nadal said he had not done much wrong in the first set against an opponent who was in the zone. "He was doing everything good, so that's sport. I lose the set because he was playing too good. That's it. "But a match is long and the positive thing is I held the pressure well this afternoon after a very tough first set. I resisted well in the first few games of the second set and then I think I played a great second and third set." While Nadal played in the relative comfort of the late afternoon, Kei Nishikori also took three sets and nearly three hours to advance under a high noon sun, outlasting Spain's Fernando Verdasco 7-6(2) 6-7(5) 6-1. Nishikori, the runner-up to Novak Djokovic last year, fired 37 winners but Verdasco, aided by persistent swirling winds, used his varying pace and depth to rattle Japan's number one, inducing 48 unforced errors. Milos Raonic withdrew before his match against American qualifier Jared Donaldson, blaming a persistent hamstring injury. "It's related to the previous injury I sustained almost four weeks ago... in Delray Beach," the Canadian told reporters. Raonic said he would not return to the tour until he felt 100 per cent fit. "That could be in two weeks, that could be a little bit longer." (Reuters)

Miami Open: Nadal wins in 1000th match, Raonic withdraws

Rafael Nadal cruised past Israeli Dudi Sela in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday while Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic also enjoyed comfortable victories as the top seeds got underway.

But there was an upset for ninth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who was beaten by 158th ranked Argentine Guido Pella, and for France&rsquo;s 11th seeded Lucas Pouille who was defeated by American Donald Young, ranked 51st in the world.

With plenty of backing from the South Florida crowd, Nadal never looked in trouble against the 83rd ranked Sela as he ran out 6-3, 6-4 winner in one hour and 20 minutes.

Rain delays earlier in the day pushed back Nadal&#39;s appearance on court and gusty conditions also made it tricky for the former world number one.

&quot;It has been very tough and long day for everyone I think. Rain delay a couple of times and then the wind was very, very high,&quot; he said. &quot;So it was difficult to find the right feelings but on these kind of days what you have to do is try to win. That&#39;s what I did, and I am very happy with that.&quot;

The Spaniard is looking to win his first Miami title after losing in the final four times in his career.

&quot;I was close enough four times in my career. I am going to try to give myself more chances during this year and during the next couple years. But this tournament is a tough tournament and anything can happen,&quot; he added.

Japanese second seed Nishikori beat big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3 on center court and will face Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

Nishikori eyes breakthrough&nbsp;

Nishikori, beaten by Novak Djokovic in last year&#39;s Miami final, didn&#39;t face a break point in the contest and won 88 per cent of his first-serve points.

The 27-year-old said he was looking to make a breakthrough in one of the slams this year and believes a win in Miami could give him the boost in belief that he needs.

&quot;I think if I can win big tournaments like this or some Masters, that&#39;s going to give me a lot of confidence for sure. That&#39;s my next goal, to win the big tournaments,&quot; he said.

&quot;But I think I&#39;m on the right track. I think last year was very solid year. I fought through the whole year without too much injury ... I learned many things from last year,&quot; Nishikori added.

Canada&#39;s Raonic was returning from almost a month on the sidelines due to a right leg injury and enjoyed a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Serbia&rsquo;s Viktor Troicki. The Canadian was in charge of the opening set and at 3-1 up in the second, it looked all over but Troicki forced things back to level at 5-5 before Raonic got the crucial break.

Intermittent rain and high winds made it tough at times for both players but Raonic said he was glad to get back on court.

&quot;Conditions obviously weren&#39;t ideal but I have to be very happy with just the outcome,&quot; he said adding he was still not in the best shape physically.

&quot;But I&#39;ve put in the work that I can, I have prepared the best I can for this tournament and while I&#39;m not necessarily in the best position right now, fortunately it is a long tournament,&quot; he said.

Dimitrov made 38 unforced errors in his loss to Pella, who showed some great flair from the baseline. Although the Argentine wobbled with a double fault on his first match point up 6-3 in the second-set tie-break, Dimitrov&#39;s backhand on the next point was wide and handed the 26-year-old the win.

Young continued his excellent form with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Pouille. The American, who reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells, where he also beat the Frenchman, is now &nbsp;12-5 in 2017. He&#39;ll play another Frenchman, Benoit Paire, who beat 21st seed Pablo Cuevas, in the next round.

(AFP)

France?s 11th seeded Lucas Pouille was the other big casualty after he lost to Donald Young

Rafael Nadal cruised past Israeli Dudi Sela in the second round of the Miami Open on Friday while Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic also enjoyed comfortable victories as the top seeds got underway. But there was an upset for ninth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who was beaten by 158th ranked Argentine Guido Pella, and for France’s 11th seeded Lucas Pouille who was defeated by American Donald Young, ranked 51st in the world. With plenty of backing from the South Florida crowd, Nadal never looked in trouble against the 83rd ranked Sela as he ran out 6-3, 6-4 winner in one hour and 20 minutes. Rain delays earlier in the day pushed back Nadal's appearance on court and gusty conditions also made it tricky for the former world number one. "It has been very tough and long day for everyone I think. Rain delay a couple of times and then the wind was very, very high," he said. "So it was difficult to find the right feelings but on these kind of days what you have to do is try to win. That's what I did, and I am very happy with that." The Spaniard is looking to win his first Miami title after losing in the final four times in his career. "I was close enough four times in my career. I am going to try to give myself more chances during this year and during the next couple years. But this tournament is a tough tournament and anything can happen," he added. Japanese second seed Nishikori beat big-serving South African Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3 on center court and will face Fernando Verdasco of Spain. Nishikori eyes breakthrough Nishikori, beaten by Novak Djokovic in last year's Miami final, didn't face a break point in the contest and won 88 per cent of his first-serve points. The 27-year-old said he was looking to make a breakthrough in one of the slams this year and believes a win in Miami could give him the boost in belief that he needs. "I think if I can win big tournaments like this or some Masters, that's going to give me a lot of confidence for sure. That's my next goal, to win the big tournaments," he said. "But I think I'm on the right track. I think last year was very solid year. I fought through the whole year without too much injury ... I learned many things from last year," Nishikori added. Canada's Raonic was returning from almost a month on the sidelines due to a right leg injury and enjoyed a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Serbia’s Viktor Troicki. The Canadian was in charge of the opening set and at 3-1 up in the second, it looked all over but Troicki forced things back to level at 5-5 before Raonic got the crucial break. Intermittent rain and high winds made it tough at times for both players but Raonic said he was glad to get back on court. "Conditions obviously weren't ideal but I have to be very happy with just the outcome," he said adding he was still not in the best shape physically. "But I've put in the work that I can, I have prepared the best I can for this tournament and while I'm not necessarily in the best position right now, fortunately it is a long tournament," he said. Dimitrov made 38 unforced errors in his loss to Pella, who showed some great flair from the baseline. Although the Argentine wobbled with a double fault on his first match point up 6-3 in the second-set tie-break, Dimitrov's backhand on the next point was wide and handed the 26-year-old the win. Young continued his excellent form with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Pouille. The American, who reached the round of 16 at Indian Wells, where he also beat the Frenchman, is now 12-5 in 2017. He'll play another Frenchman, Benoit Paire, who beat 21st seed Pablo Cuevas, in the next round. (AFP)

Miami Masters: Nadal, Nishikori through to next round; Dimitrov loses

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