The Indian Wells-Miami double is often thought to be one of the toughest feats in tennis–but maybe not for Novak Djokovic. He is looking to capture those back-to-back titles for the third consecutive year as he takes the court against Kei Nishikori on Sunday.
Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori will be facing each other for the ninth time in their careers when they battle for the Miami Open title on Sunday afternoon.
Djokovic is leading the head-to-head series 6-2, and he has won five in a row at Nishikori’s expense dating back to the fall of 2014. The world No. 1 has been positively dominant against Nishikori of late–just as he has been against the entire tour. Djokovic has taken their last six sets 6-1, 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, 6-2, and 6-4 (the last three of which came in the Australian Open quarterfinals earlier this season).
Nishikori is not alone in his inability to touch Djokovic. The Serb is 27-1 for his 2016 campaign and his only blemish has come via retirement at the hands of Feliciano Lopez in Dubai. Djokovic has lifted trophies in Doha, Melbourne, and Indian Wells. The fact that Djokovic triumphed in the desert and booked his spot in the Miami final without being at his absolute best arguably makes his borderline flawless run even scarier. So far this fortnight he has taken out Kyle Edmund, Joao Sousa, Dominic Thiem, Tomas Berdych, and David Goffin without dropping a set.
“I think the biggest thing that he doesn’t have much weakness,” Nishikori said of his opponent. “He’s very patient. He doesn’t give you any free points. (I) have to focus almost every point if I want to beat him. So that’s the toughest thing against him. I have to return well, serve well, and everything [has] to be there to beat him.”
Nishikori is a stellar 19-5 on the year, but he has saved his most impressive tennis for Miami. The world No. 6 fought off five match points against Gael Monfils to prevail 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) in what was arguably the most entertaining match of the season to date. Nishikori’s road to the championship match was otherwise straightforward at the expense of Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Alexandr Dolgopolov, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Nick Kyrgios.
“Maybe the occasion of being in the final can influence in a very small percentage his kind of mental approach and preparation for the match,” Djokovic noted. “But he looks very mature on the court; very experienced, as well. He’s somebody that has been around and played so many matches [on] the big stage. I don’t see him being too overwhelmed or nervous about the occasion.”
“If I can maintain this tennis yesterday and today and also (in the) final, I think I have some chance to win the title,” Nishikori commented.
But how good of a chance? Nishikori added that he would have to play “100 percent or 120 percent” to beat Djokovic. And he is probably correct, because nobody has been able to beat the 11-time major champion in either Indian Wells or Miami since 2013. Djokovic has been leaving the door slightly cracked over the past few weeks and Nishikori is playing well enough to bust it open. But like the underdog said, he cannot endure any mental lapses. His serve cannot let him down like it did midway through the second set against Kyrgios and his forehand cannot misfire like it did for a brief stretch late in the third set against Monfils. In the end, Djokovic–as usual–is likely to be too solid.
Photos courtesy of Miami Tennis News
Pick: Djokovic in 3
[polldaddy poll=9371496]
who u got?
I see Nole in straights with at least one breaker but Nishikori can push him here. I hope Kei wins but that will be tough.
Guess that most of the fight will be in the opening at second sets. Shall they make it to the third one, Nishikori, whose route to the final was much harder, will have zero chances to beat the Serb who appeared to be much stronger that all his previous opponents by the end of the encounters.
I think Novak has all the answers for Kei. I also think Kei has zero belief which makes it impossible to win. I wish for an entertaining and hard fought match with a lot of rallies…Novak for the title is NID!
would be happy if kei won. i like him and it would be good to have a bit of change at the top of the game.
i do think he has a shot…
Nishi playing great, but Joker just too good…will win in straight!
Novak in 2
If conditions are similar to Friday afternoon kei has a chance to take advantage of a heat drained Nole where goffin couldn’t.
Because of the forecasted heat and humidity on Sunday this isn’t so straight forward as defeatists would have you believe.
Hoping for an upset but Nole in… Ah hell, kei in three. Why not.
GO kei!!
He isn’t heat-drained, I say. It’s hype. It’s Nole fans worrying – it’s anti-Nole’s wishful thinking. If Kei wins it will be because he’s brilliant all on his own…mostly. I won’t make excuses for Nole if he loses.
Nole in 2.
Nishikori in 3
T-Kei-O
lol
Am surprised to see so many votes for Kei in 3. I would love to see Kei win, it seems it has been a long wait for his generation to get a big win. But not only has Novak played exceptionally well this season, he does so well in Miami, year after year. With a cooler day forecasted even the weather will help Novak. Predict he will win in SS – perhaps with 1 TB.
Djoker in 2.
The weather is predicted to cool off for the final. It is supposed to be in the high 70’s. However, there will still be the Florida humidity. Today is the hottest day. So conditions may not be as bad in the final.
I think Nishi has a shot at the win if he can keep it together. The key is having the belief that you can win. Novak has been so dominant that it’s hard for players to believe they have a chance.
Nishi will have to come out playing his best, serving well and being aggressive. Easier said than done! Novak is so balanced with his game and so strong off both wings that it’s hard to penetrate his game.
If it’s in the 70s even with humidity, Nole will win. Mid 80s and it could go either way imo.
The forecast is for a high of 79 tomorrow. Today it’s going to be 88.
You give the weather too much credit wrt Nole – just my opinion. If it was bo5 in those conditions – maybe.
One of us could have egg on the face ? not saying it’s you. we goonna see.
4:47 post was for hawks!
Nah, if it’s extreme heat it could go either way.
If it’s high 70s I’ll just switch my pick before the match.
?
No it will take extreme heat and a very worthy opponent to take Nole down.
Kei isn’t beating Nole in cooler conditions but at his best he’s capable in extreme heat. Heat was a factor in Rafa beating Nole in four sets in Paris 2014 IMO.
Ah that’s where you’re getting this. But Rafa beats Nole regardless of the heat factor at FO. Rafa needed to be Halfa Rafa to lose to Nole. Imo, Rafa is just better than anyone else on Paris clay, regardless of the weather – even in 2014. We disagree, I see. That’s okay.
agree with rc on this. both rafa and nole were affected by the heat during that match – RG 2014.
nole’s tactics were off that match. he attacked rafa’s forehand in the first set which was misfiring. unfortunately he hit there so much that rafa dialled it in in the second set and started to hit his dtl forehand which nole can’t handle.
(a bit surprising that nole went after the forehand so much given that in the semis rafa’s forehand was unbelievable and he annihilated murray. murray only won a handful of games but even that scoreline flattered him).
Amy,
I agree with you. Both guys were affected by the heat in the 2014 RG. Rafa started cramping the the fourth set and was saved when Novak double faulted away the match. I remember Rafa saying after the match that he did not know if he would have been able to last should the match have gone to a fifth set.
nny, do you remember how incredible his forehand was against murray in the semis??
when i listen to toni going on about new breeds and this being the reason why his forehand isn’t working and so on…then i remember how it was and just want to laugh…
Verdasco is the “new breed” according to Toni.
amy, respectfully, I don’t think that’s what rc said. I don’t think she said heat was a factor in the match but RG was the only factor against an in form Rafa.
and cuevas no??!
not surprising rafa has problems faced with this radical change..
AT 5:46 PM
—Verdasco is the “new breed” according to Toni.—
===
.
I wonder, if YOU put these words into his mouth or somebody else did it.
I remember that recently you put a writer’s words (“the new brand”) into Rafa’s mouth.
William West / AFP / January 19, 2016: “Nadal admitted after the defeat to Verdasco that the new brand of aggressive tennis on the ATP tour was more difficult for him to handle.”
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/rafa-nadal-coach-accepts-if-you-have-to-make-a-change–aus-open-day-4-updates
I’m saying that Rafa was the bigger factor than the weather in 2014 FO.
amy (AT 5:32 PM),
—when i listen to toni going on about new breeds and this being the reason why his forehand isn’t working…—
===
.
I am wondering what sources have you used.
RC I completely agree with that statement and nothing I said contradicts that view.
We still disagree. You think Nole is bad in the heat. I say no, that’s overblown and outdated. You say yes it is true. I say potato you say potatoe; tomato, tomatoe…
Um, no that’s not at all even close to what I said actually.
you think is not you said. I gather from all you’ve posted that you think he’s bad in the heat.
Excuse me?
You obviously haven’t been around to see where I’ve praised Nole for improving his handling of hot conditions since USO 2014 loss to Nishikori.
I said it would take top play from a top player to beat Nole if conditions were extremely hot and I said Nole was not at his very best in a few examples because of extreme heat.
You want to go ahead and put words in my mouth by saying I think he’s “bad” in those conditions is your choice. But it’s your opinion, unwarranted and unsubstantiated.
Such a straw man argument doesn’t really deserve defending on my part but I have a lot of respect for you here rc.
I wouldn’t do it for many others.
“You obviously haven’t been around to see where I’ve praised Nole for improving his handling of hot conditions since USO 2014 loss to Nishikori.”
This is where we disagree. Nole was improved in 2014. IMO it was not the heat – it was his general condition that summer. After a tough win in Wimby, he got married, took a vacation, wasn’t at his level in Canada or Cincy…nor at US Open. Can be argued that it wasn’t until after Shanghai that he reached his best.
The heat affects everyone – Nole isn’t especially sensitive to it compared to others on tour. He didn’t cure himself after US Open 2014 – there was nothing to fix. I do get tired of hearing it. But it’s an opinion that I think is hyped and overblown. We agree then to disagree. I respect you to too.
We can disagree on that. You were the one who said that it’s not a constant and I agree.
I certainly do think that Nole improved his endurance in heat well before 2014 BUT I feel that on a few occasions he has been affected by the heat (more than his opponent) and I feel 2014 USO SF was a prime example.
On a cooler day, I firmly believe that Nole would have one. He looked drained and did not play well. Perhaps it was because of his general condition that led him to feel the heat more than Nishikori.
We can certainly disagree with that.
But don’t try to tell me I think or said Nole was bad in the heat. And I can understand your frustration in hearing that view. But it’s simply not mine.
Respectfully, saying so is complete BS.
If you go back and look at his retirements – his real problems with heat and allergies – you will find they ended in 2010. He made significant changes in 2010 that helped him achieve a new level going into 2011.
I’m simply saying I disagree that it was the heat that caused his loss to Kei in 2014 US Open. I don’t think on a cooler day he would have won. Kei also had a hand in it – not the weather. He looks drained a lot but it means little, as we’ve seen from his results.
I agree that late 2010 was a huge turning point. Any half way serious fan knows that.
If Nole was a “bad player” in hot conditions he would have lost many matches to much weaker players.
It’s also obvious that Kei had a lot to do with the win. I feel Nole would have won vs the vast majority of players that day but was compromised by the heat more than Kei.
I feel it was one factor and never said or implied it was the only one.
Let’s agree to disagree on that point then.
Same as when Murray beat Nole at the us open in 2012 final. I think the wind played a factor in nole’s loss. Murray handled those conditions better. It wasn’t the only factor. Murray being a great player had a lot to do with it.
I do think Nole would have won under calmer conditions though.
ok yes i think you are right hawks…
problem with skim-reading…!!
i agree with her…
Amy,
I do remember rafa’s forehand in the semis with Murray. That was when Rafa was hitting that shot consistently so well. I don’t buy this new brand of tennis. The problem is that Rafa’s game has degraded significantly and therefore it might appear that opponents are more challenging. Rafa’s forehand was a game changer back then.
As far as the discussion about the 2014 RG, heat was definitely a factor for both guys. Given how they both push each other to the limits in slam matches, and the sheer physicality of their battles, add in the heat and it creates more problems. I remember Novak even spitting up in court because he was sick to his stomach.
Taking Rafa out at RG has always been the toughest task in tennis. He can overcome heat and nerves, whatever. Rafa was a beast at RG. But the heat did affect both guys.
Agree with everything in NNY’s post.
Forgot about Nole spewing because of the heat.
#Obvious
NNY (AT 7:39 PM),
—I remember Novak even spitting up in court…—
===
.
A video that helps you remember:
https://vine.co/v/MDQZYi0hz0w
Also, someone being good or bad in the heat is not a constant. We can agree on that. Other factors aside from the heat come into play. We can agree on that too, I think.
Eeewwhh! That video of Novak!
Kei could beat Nole in cooler conditions. Probably not at this time. We gonna see.
Heat affected Nole’s game post 2011 at USO 2014, FO 2014 and this week. No it is definitely not a constant but given that he was lethargic against Goffin and his shots were definitely relatively weaker, this is one of those times where heat could affect his game IMO enough for another top player to take advantage as Kei did two years ago.
That said, predicted temperature at match time is 77. F with 60% humidity for a real feel of 78 so humidity is not going to be a factor like it will be today. Yesterday I had heard that it would be hotter.
I’m bailing on my original pick and will pick Nole in two.
Now I really WILL have egg on my face if Kei wins!
eeeeeeeeegg….. haha never gets old same as Don’t you? or do you. Ok. Good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpKqMC2YfwI
It’s even predicted to be overcast so weather conditions will not be a factor after all.
Expecting an in form Novak to win in 2.
Ditto.
With the cooler conditions, I think Novak will win but still think it might go 3 sets.
If the final was today, that might have made a difference, because today is the hottest and most humid day so far this week.
WTA getting interestimg.
Almost game time.
Perfect conditions for both guys. Not even full sun.
Should be a good match.
Nole in two is my final pick. Three at the very most but certainly no less than two.
What a horrible match so far.
Kei obviously feeling the occasion on his first 1000 final and Nole trying to play even worse.
So many UEs from both (not the good kind) and five service breaks in the first set.
All baseline rallies with little variation.
Ugly ugly stuff.
Kei playing worse and Nole playing better in the second up a set and a break.
RT @jmeistennis: With a win today, Novak Djokovic will become the all-time prize money leader, surpassing Roger Federer. Closing in on 100 mil at $98,199,548
The relentless march continues……………………………disappointed Nishi couldn’t deliver the goods to make this a decent final.
what disappointing response despite having a 0-30 lead… djokovic served quite well though
This has been hard to watch. Nishi not even close to his best. The bad part for me is that Novak didn’t have to bring his best. He’s played much better in the second set, but Nishi is just not able to play well enough to make this interesting.
I was out…watching Superman Vs Batman..lol.
Nishi threw away the chance to get back in the set in the last game. I hope he can break back now
Let me guess. It was a tie. 🙂
lol…Man vs god ! it was strictly based on the comic books
Palmer and Lester are valiantly trying to make this sound like a final where the result is not NID.
My satellite connection won’t be back until tomorrow. Any info you have is good, ed. Only following the score.
Seems like 1st set Kei had at least one break but couldn’t hold serve — Nole broke right back. Nole is too good — and not much Kei can do.
The last straw. Nidhi tsking sn MTO 🙁
To be fair it would have been a surprise if he hadn’t suffered a delayed reaction to the punishing match with Monfils.
Now Nishi getting treatment for some knee injury. This is just not entertaining at all.
Raonic aggravated his groin or thigh injury in the I/W final. Now Nishi with the knee. What is it with these guys facing Novak?
Djokovic MUST be challenged! it is getting to my nerves now… at least make him raise his level to win
what a crap match.
+1
Am guessing batman vs superman was much closer.
hahaha it was…A LOT closer..there’s only one person right now in tennis who is both superman and batman! He is from Serbia… Rafa MUST lift his level. NOvak winning RG would be tooooo much
Nole would be my second choice.
Well Murray TBH but that’s unlikely.
No Nole Sao he could get closer to 17.
Kei broke twice in the first set.
2006 all over again except Nole rarely having to play near his best.
Meet the new goat to be.
Congrats to Nole who deserves everything he gets!
Most masters at 28.
Most prize money in tennis.
The records are a breaking and the times are a changing.
17 is just a matter of time if continued health and climate change management is on his side.
Respect.
Actually I am quite concerned about Djokovic’s manic behaviour. The violent loss of temper when he loses a point he thought he should have made is not normal. His outburst when he failed to take his first MP was scary.
He doesn’t just want to win. He wants to crush his hapless opponents like so many beetles under foot.
I think he simply sets a high expectation for himself. He has little competition atm so he competes with himself. Just my take.
RT @SteveTignor: Djokovic also records a spring triple double, winning Indian Wells & Miami back to back for 3rd straight time. Amazing consistency
Hawks: Perceptive observation. Could possibly be the case but it doesn’t change my view his behaviour is bordering on an obsession which is very different from the desire and will to win which is the hallmark of all great champions.
IMO, he is already a great champion.
does not matter…he is carving his own legacy …He is ruthless
Ha, ha. Badly constructed sentence. Wasn’t implying he is not already a great champion but that his overwhelming need to dominate has taken over to the point where he completely loses control if he doesn’t win an important point. e.g.during the match against Simon at the Indian Wells when he screamed with rage
throughout the changeover after dropping a set,
If he completely lost control, he would have lost the match. He’s good, but not THAT good.
JMac was pretty good at that too but he turned out all right..
Hawkeye,
I agree with your take on Novak. He does set high expectations for himself. It’s also true that he is competing with himself right now. I think they said on ESPN that Novak has about an 8000 point lead in the rankings. No one can challenge him for #1 this year.
I think Novak is driven to succeed and earn a place alongside Rafa and Fed. He’s been in their shadow for most of his career.
I just wish I could understand how Rafa lost that incredible will to win. I miss seeing that hunger and desire to win. There was a time when Rafa hated to lose. Now that he’s gone MIA, this is what we have.
His burning desire is not to take his place alongside Roger and Rafa. It’s to eclipse their achievements. But you’re right it definitely rankled with him that he didn’t command the same respect and popularity even during his stella 2013 year. He’s making up the lost ground now with a vengeance. The match commentators are in total awe of him and are running out of superlatives to describe his performance. Have you also noticed how infrequently they refer to him by name? It is nearly always The World No.1 or The Best Player in the World.
RT @RobKoenigTennis: @DjokerNole closing in on a $100m in career prize money…#NOVAKING-WAY!!!
Inflation plays its part no? And prize money is being racheted up each year. How do his sponsorship deals compare with Federer for example?
Sponsorship is a popularity contest and Fed obviously leads everybody in that department, especially in France.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpY-BUv4rJM&feature=youtu.be
In the middle of 2014, Rafa was the most popular foreign athlete in France:
http://sport24.lefigaro.fr/le-scan-sport/buzz/2014/11/12/27002-20141112ARTFIG00143-nadal-sportif-etranger-prefere-des-francais.php
I haven’t seen any other data.
RT @christophclarey: Djokovic’s tournament results since November 2014:
W W QF W F W W W W F W F F W W W W W W W QF W W
All of this will mean big nothing in terms of GOAT argument if he fails to win FO this year!
“big nothing” lol.
Hawkeye,
Just more sour grapes! Looking at those results, the consistency is quite impressive.
Novak has to know that he’s got a great shot at RG. But he’s not talking himself up because you never know what can happen.
Unless the other top players step up their game, Novak is going to clean up this year.
I am glad you are happy, nny…
natashao (AT 10:02 PM),
?
natashao,
If you can’t read and comprehend what I said, then spare me your rather absurd interpretation. I get that you seem to be upset and bitter about novak’s success, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of us must necessarily follow your example. I am sure that you mean what you say when you connect that Novak is destroying his body for nothing. For all I know, maybe you are waiting for him to collapse from exhaustion or get injured. Your attitude towards him has been quite mean-spirited. That’s unfortunate. But it’s your problem, not mine.
You can continue to try and put me down and lie about me being a Novak fan. You may ignore what I have said about missing the real Rafa and wanting desperately to see him playing like his old self. But I will continue to say it and hope that somehow he can come back.
Meanwhile, everyone will see that beautiful avatar of Rafa every time I post on this site.
I am of course not happy that Novak is winning so much. But I do accept the reality of it. It is what it is.
If you continue to instigate and misconstrue what I write here, then I will just choose to ignore your comments. I am sorry that you are so distressed by Novak winning and rafa’s unfortunate plight. I do understand it, but just choose to deal with it in a different way.
@christophclarey
Great stat from ESPN
Djokovic & Nishikori are the 2 youngest members of the top 10
@Joe Strummer. Thanks for answering my question. The sums earned by today’s super stars must make the eyes of earlier generations water.
@Nic_Bernstein
@RobKoenigTennis @DjokerNole you think he’s the greatest ever?
@RobKoenigTennis 1h1 hour ago Hillingdon, London
Right now, no….but my gut feel is that he will get to 18 or 19 majors and make him the greatest in the modern era.
”I have lots of motivation for the beginning of the clay court season that ends up hopefully with the crown in Paris,” he said. ”But I’m not the only one who wants to win that big trophy.”
taking the inflation into consideration fed leads novak for ~ $ 10 mil.
joe strummer the economist lol.
#BitterPillsAreEverywhere
hawkeye63 the entertainer lol
#fake