'Roger Federer's sense of humor is also often underestimated', says expert

• Tennis News
• Roger Federer

Nick Kyrgios continues to play for Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship as if his last clay court event before this week hadn't been three years ago. His adaptation to this surface already has him in the quarterfinals thanks to his two wins this week in Houston.

On Tuesday it was against Mackenzie McDonald, and on Wednesday against another American, seventh-seeded Tommy Paul. The No. 94 in the ATP Rankings needed just one hour and 10 minutes to prevail with runs of 6-4, 6-2 to bring his ATP HeadToHead record to 1-0 with Paul.

Invited by the organization to play this main draw, Kyrgios saved the six break points he faced with his serve and broke his opponent's three times. And his effectiveness on court was combined with points of amazing quality.

“I knew that today I had to serve well. It's probably one of the best matches I've played on clay in my career, so I'm very happy with the way I got here today, I just put my head down and got to work." (all of his titles have been about fast tracks).

This result allows him to qualify for a quarterfinal on clay on the ATP Tour for the first time since 2018, when he did it right here in Houston. He will now be seeking his first semi-finals on this surface since Estoril 2016.

Roger Federer has confirmed his participation at the 2022 Laver Cup, which is scheduled to take place towards the end of September.

Federer will play the 2022 Laver Cup

Roger Federer is one of the greatest players of all time.

He is revered for his exploits on the court and the way he has conducted himself off the court. "What has changed is of course his knowledge, in general, but also about tennis history. His sense of humor is also often underestimated, he always cracks a joke and likes to laugh.

In conversation, he doesn't come across as elegant as in advertising, more like a normal person. He's a warm guy," he added. Clarey also spoke highly of the way Federer adapts to situations seamlessly as he has so many commitments to various people and yet he finds ways to conduct himself properly at all times.

"And a chameleon: It adapts to the situation it is in. With sponsors it goes one way, with his colleagues in the changing room the other, he jokes around. And towards journalists he is very thoughtful. His mother is South African, his father Swiss, he is just a very adaptable person," Clarey added.