Roger Federer: Nick Kyrgios already thinking of US Open clash with Swiss legend

The two are destined to meet at the final Grand Slam of the year if they both progress through their opening two matches.

Federer is looking to put a difficult couple of months behind him when the US Open gets underway on Monday.

Having failed to defend his Wimbledon crown after being knocked out by Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals, the Swiss star then lost to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Masters.

He is still expected to do well at Flushing Meadows and starts his campaign against Yoshihito Nishioka.

But Kyrgios may await in the third round and the Australian is looking forward to a potential clash.

“As a seed and someone who, realistically, is supposed to move forward in the draw, you kind of look forward. It’s hard not to with social media these days,” Kyrgios said.

“I get excited to think about it, but just to be able to play another Grand Slam is a blessing in itself.

“There was a period in my tennis career where I felt just playing one Grand Slam, my first Aussie Open, was amazing and now I’ve almost hit the 20-mark and just to play another Grand Slam, you can’t take it for granted.

“Yeah, the (potential) Roger match is unbelievable but just to be out here again with all the top players and being a part of it is pretty fun.”

Should Federer meet, and beat, Kyrgios he could face Djokovic later in the tournament but the 37-year-old isn’t too concerned.

“The draw is what it is and I have enough stuff to worry about in the first round,” Federer said.

“The US Open is even more important to me this year.”

Roger Federer US Open draw: What is his projected route to the final?

First round: Y Nishioka

Second round: B Paire or qualifier

Third round: N Kyrgios

Round of 16: F Fognini

Quarter-final: N Djokovic

Semi-final: M Cilic

Final: R Nadal