Del Potro, Cilic march on at Miami Open

Juan Martin Del Potro’s spring surge continued on Sunday, when he cruised past Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-2 in the second round of the Miami Open. Del Potro extended his winning streak to 13 matches after one hour and 12 minutes of play.

In this battle between oft-injured stars, it was Nishikori who was obviously feeling the effects of time off due to a recent wrist problem. The world No. 33, who has played only seven matches in 2018, won a mere 45 percent of his second-serve points and earned just one break chance (in his first return game, failed to convert). Del Potro, meanwhile, dominated the majority of baseline rallies and generated 13 break-points opportunities–capitalizing on four.

“I think I’m playing good,” said the reigning Acapulco and Indian Wells champion. “I can play even better, but I need to get confidence playing [on] this court, trying to keep winning matches. But is not easy. My body [is starting] to feel tight because (of) all my success. But I’m enjoying a lot playing this tournament. I would like to stay longer because it’s a special tournament for me. (It) is the last time playing in Key Biscayne, so I would love to stay here few more days.

“I did well (against Nishikori). I took all my break chances. I served well. I think he is still having to get the power as he had in the past. But he’s in a good way to get that. He just needs time to recover his best game.”

Del Potro-Nishikori highlights:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=533sOib2buw

Del Potro and Marin Cilic are the favorites to reach the semifinals in the bottom half of the draw, especially now that Grigor Dimitrov has exited the Argentine’s section (lost to Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-4 in the third round).

Cilic scraped past Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 7-6(4) on Sunday afternoon. The second-seeded Croat broke serve at 6-5 in the opening set and had chances to do the same in the second, leading 0-40. Pospisil, however, saved three match points and won a wild rally at deuce that helped him produce a clutch hold. A tiebreaker ensued, at which point Cilic regained control and got the job done 7-4.

“It was a relief at the end,” the world No. 3 assured. “I had those three match points at 6-5 and there was that great rally at deuce. I was playing really well in the tiebreak, returning really well and serving really good. I saved the best for last and I’m really pleased with the victory. I was quite focused on my service games and I had to stay patient.”

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