Kyrgios too strong for Berdych again

Australia’s Nick Kyrgios beat Tomas Berdych for the second time in six days to progress to the semi-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Kyrgios, 20, received treatment on-court and overcame back pain to beat the world number seven 6-4 6-4.

Last week Kyrgios beat Berdych, again in straight sets, en route to his first career title in Marseille.

World number one Novak Djokovic faces sixth-seed Feliciano Lopez in the last quarter-final later on Thursday.

“I was in pain at the start, I’ve played a lot of matches in a row now,” Kyrgios said after his eighth successive victory.

“Tomas is a tough player, one of the best in the world. I served well and competed well. I’m very, very happy.”