Roger Federer has had some career defining moments throughout the last few years as he continues to dominate the tennis world, but he pulled off one of his best shots to date in his latest US Open match – and it left controversial Aussie player Nick Kyrgios completely gobsmacked.
The 20-time grand slam champion won the third round showdown 6-4 6-1 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but it was one of his shots mid-way through that garnered the most attention among spectators and fans watching at home.
In one of his most astonishing shots yet, Federer, 37, managed to pull off an around-the-net-post forehand winner. Shooting the ball at an acute angle, inches from the ground, Federer managed to slice it round the edge of the net and landed it in court in front of a shocked Kyrgios who was seen gasping: “Oh my God”.
Despite the applause and gasps from the crowd, as well as his opponent, Federer appeared as cool and calm as ever as he flashed a small smile and walked back to the end of the court ready to commence play again.
“It was almost unreal,” Kyrgios reportedly said after the match, adding: “If anyone else is doing those shots against me, I’m probably not too happy. But it’s Roger.”
Meanwhile Federer added to reporters that it was one of his best shots of his career, saying: “I definitely think it was a special one, no doubt about it.”
Kyrgios’ shocked face has since begun doing the rounds on social media as fans react to the hilarious moment, with one writing: “I had the same face as Kyrgios when I saw this. Just magic from the Swiss Maestro!”
Another added: “That expression on Kyrgios face narrates ‘how good that shot was’.” And one wrote: “I love Kyrgios’ face when Federer makes the shot. Shock, awe and respect. Love that he appreciates the beauty of it.”
Joking that he would be recording the moment himself after the match, Kyrgios reportedly told reporters afterwards: “Oh my god. Yeah, it was unbelievable. I’m probably going to place it on Instagram.”
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, another point in the match caught Federer’s attention in particular after Kyrgios attempted a drop shot at 40-15 while trying to serve. Speaking about the moment afterwards, the tennis pro criticised his decision.
“He should have hit a normal forehand in the open court and he chooses to go for sort of the drop shot, which at the end cost him the match,” Federer reportedly said. “So clearly when you play that way and you lose, it’s always, like, you feel like he’s so much to blame, but that’s just how he plays.
“But today I think he didn’t come up with the goods when he really had to, and I was good, I think, by making him hit that extra shot.”