Nick Kyrgios gifted walkover, Reilly Opelka cruises past Gijs Brouwer to set up Houston semi-final clash

Reilly Opelka and Nick Kyrgios are through to the Houston semi-finals to set up a tantalising semi-final clash between the pair on Saturday evening. Opelka cruised past Dutch qualifier Gijs Brouwer, while Kyrgios advanced to the last four with a walkover following Michael Mmoh's withdrawal from the tournament due to a right adductor strain. Ad/> The American won 6-3, 7-5 against Brouwer, making it four sets in a row for the man ranked number 18 in the world.

This is all the more remarkable considering he entered the tournament in Houston with a 0-4 main-draw record. /> ATP HoustonHighlights: Isner beats Tiafoe to set up semi-finals with Garin at ATP HoustonAN HOUR AGO Opelka took the opening set quite comfortably despite the windy conditions in Texas, but had to recover from 1-3 down in the second to reach the semis after having the benefit of a first-round bye. «The bye weeks are nice, they really are, to come in a little later, have more time to prepare on the court.

You get to take your time and that's huge,» he said in quotes published by atptour.com. «Nick, you never know what you're going to get,» the American added, as he looked ahead to his semi-final meeting with Kyrgios. «I've got to serve better than the way I've been to beat that guy, for sure.» /> Djokovic set for Alcaraz clash at Monte Carlo quarter-finals 'Positive for him' — Why Evert believes Nadal injury time off is 'a bonus' Kyrgios was full of praise for Opelka ahead of their clash and commented on the electric atmosphere in Houston.

He said: «I'm excited to be in the semi-final against Reilly, someone who's been playing extremely good for the last couple of years. Really finding his game style and executing. »I'm just excited to go out there again in