A pair of intriguing quarterfinal showdowns will take place on Thursday in Miami. Milos Raonic looks to continue his hot streak at the expense of Nick Kyrgios, while Kei Nishikori faces Gael Monfils.
(12) Milos Raonic vs. (24) Nick Kyrgios
Raonic and Kyrgios will be squaring off for the fourth time in their careers and for the first time on a hard court when they collide in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open on Thursday. The head-to-head series stands at 2-1 in favor of Raonic, who prevailed at two consecutive majors in 2014; 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-3 in the French Open first round and 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(4) in the last 32 at Wimbledon. The two big hitters faced each other again at the All-England Club last summer, when Kyrgios scored a 5-7, 7-5, 7-6(3), 6-3 victory.
Not even an adductor strain has prevented Raonic from being No. 2 in the race to London behind Novak Djokovic this season. When healthy, the 12th-ranked Canadian has been nothing short of awesome. He captured a title in Brisbane, reached the Australian Open semifinals, and finished runner-up to Djokovic in Indian Wells. Raonic is 17-2 for his 2016 campaign following straight-set wins this fortnight over Denis Kudla, Jack Sock, and Damir Dzumhur. Kyrgios has advanced in similarly routine fashion at the expense of Marcos Baghdatis, Tim Smyczek, and Andrey Kuznetsov. Needless to say, both men capitalized on the early exits from their section of the draw by Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka. Kyrgios is 11-2 since the Aussie Open and his only two setbacks during this stretch can be chalked up to physical problems (he retired against Stan Wawrinka in Dubai and was ill in an Indian Wells loss to Albert Ramos-Vinolas). But this will be the 20-year-old’s toughest test by far since his February run to the Marseille title and it is one that may be too tough given Raonic’s current form.
Pick: Raonic in 2
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(6) Kei Nishikori vs. (16) Gael Monfils
Surprisingly, Nishikori and Monfils will be going head-to-head for just the second time in their careers on Thursday despite having been on tour together for 10 years. Their only previous encounter came two years ago on the grass courts of Halle, where Nishikori got the job done 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The world No. 6 is in fine form this season and has advanced to his second consecutive Masters 1000 quarterfinal thanks to straight-set victories this fortnight over Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Roberto Bautista Agut. Nishikori is through to his third straight Miami quarterfinal, including a semifinal run in 2014.
It is no secret that Monfils has been preoccupied with entertainment as opposed to results at various times during his solid but unfulfilling career. This tournament has not not been one of those times. A hungry, no-nonsense Frenchman has been on display in defeats of Tatsuma Ito, Pablo Cuevas, and Grigor Dimitrov. Only Dimitrov managed to snag a set during Monfils’ trek to the last eight, but the world No. 16 bounced back to win 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday. Nishikori, however, absolutely thrives at this event and he looked outstanding in his 6-2, 6-4 fourth-round rout of Bautista Agut. In the end, the sixth seed should be slightly superior in both the mental and physical departments.
Pick: Nishikori in 3
[polldaddy poll=9367492]
Raonic in three and Kei in two.
I think Monfils and Nick are both the better athletes and if they can both keep their heads in the game, we’ll see upsets. Looking forward to Raonic and Nick.
If will be fascinating to see the clash in styles between Kyrgios and Raonic. Kyrgios will be driven to distraction by Raonic’s refusal to be rushed when he is serving and will retaliate by complaining to the umpire snd by reducing the time he takes to deliver his own serve 🙂
Wonder who will be umpiring this match. Some are more lenient than others .
Lol, ed. hope you’re right – looking forward to Milos and Nick.
I will take Kyrgios. He was extremely motivated against Kuznetsov. Moreover I found raonic serve not that much good this week.
Bold pick!
Raonic vs Kyrgios is going to be one hell of a match ! Raonic has been really really solid but so has Kygrios. I think people are underestimating Kyrgios and he could pull of an upset although that would require raonic not playing his best !
Kei vs Gael is the match I am more excited about it. Particularly because Gael has been my favourite player since 8 years. He has never been more consistent in his career and that dimitrov victory just showed how strong Gael has become mentally. I am going to go for Gael in 3 sets !
RAONIC vs KYRGIOS. Its going to be a tight match with at least a tiebreak. I think a few mental lapses from Kyrgios will allow Milos to great a break or two more than nick. Ranoic in 3
NISHIKORI- MONFILS. Nishikori will win this match in 2. Monfils wont be able to outhit kei the same way he did to the inconsistent grigor.
solid picks
Totally agree with Nick regarding his post match press comments about the game being biased and ruined.
Ever notice he always singles out Rafa as his example?
“Anyone else, like Rafa did that, you would keep it cool,” Kyrgios said. “This game is biased as anything. You all know it as well. It’s biased as sh*t, this game. What else has it got to hide? It’s ruined. Absolutely ruined.”
I missed it – press conference remarks. Which press conference?
he’s always doing it hawks. every time he gets a warning from the umpire for swearing or similar he starts mouthing off about rafa on court.
i really don’t like kygrios.
actually his attitude towards rafa in always bringing him into the equation whenever he starts swearing and acting up is really pathetic….
and i don’t like his game either..
i think it makes it even worse that he is attacking rafa when rafa is in a slump.
he wasn’t attacking Rafa. That was just the name that came up in the heat of the moment.
And it was more of a compliment, really.
he has attacked rafa before though ricky. that’s why hawks brought it up. when he’s called out for his behaviour then he starts whining on about the time rafa takes…
i think he did that during the infamous stan incident last summer..
Kyrgios to the chair umpire at Wimbledon last year…
“I’ve taken one pair off. I’ve got two on and I’m taking one pair off. I’m staying on the court. If you’re going to get angry with me for that, that’s another level. Mate, Rafa (Rafael Nadal) and stuff play 30 seconds in between points every time and all I’m doing is putting my sock back on.”
what don’t you like about his game?
it seems a bit brainless at times…
like it’s happening inspite of him, rather than under his control.
one of the things i loved about rafa was how intelligent his game was (or at least appeared to be)
i love thiem and zverev and also like coric and sock. but nick just gets on my nerves…
i am really hoping that thiem will make it to the top.
I don’t like Krygios and have made no bones about it. There is no reason for him to bring Rafa into this discussion.
yep agreed. the minute he is called out he does it…muttering away loudly on court and trying to cause trouble.
Link?
Ricky (AT 3:23 PM),
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6bcuT3DG84
thanks
he didn’t say anything to the press about it tho…..
Yes he did. When asked about it post match, he said he stood by those comments on court.
If it was a one-off, then sure you could claim that it was just the name he happened to use but it’s been more than one occasion he singled out Rafa. He’d never disrespect Federer like that.
When asked about the incident, Kyrgios simply said, “I stand by those comments.”
http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2016/03/kyrgios-reaches-first-masters-quarters-while-calling-sport-biased/57991/#.VvwAivkrKUk
Amy,
I agree with you. That’s a good way to describe his game – brainless. Just raw power with not much finesse behind it.
I also agree with you about Rafa’s game. I love how he constructs points with strategy and purpose and intelligence. The other top players also do it.
I don’t like Krygios. I am not fond of young guys with too much attitude who run off at the mouth without having really done anything yet in this sport.
That is not to say that I don’t think he has talent. But I have seen too many guys like that who were a flash in the pan and then dropped off into obscurity.
nny, what do you think about the young guys?? i love thiem especially…and he has humility which will help him in the end..
“When healthy, the 12th-ranked Canadian has been nothing short of awesome.”
Couldn’t agree more, but he’s not healthy and his serve is not where it needs to be as a result.
Tough call but I think Kyrgios gets to a physically compromised Milosh concentration and edges him in three tight sets.
Hope I’m wrong.
Special-Kei in three.
Is Milos still physically compromised, hawk? Milosh is smart – he’ll be mentally prepared, as much as possible, for Nick’s possible antics. But I do hope for some of what ed’s saying to happen. They are opposites. Could be very anti-climactic and one-sided too.
Hawks – you were so right about Nish-at-night. Well spotted – right on it! ?
Thanks rc. I was pretty confident in Nishi-at-Nite.
Yes Milos is smart but you can see that he still gets mentally tight in the later critical stages of a set sometimes and, with his managing injury, I think he’s more susceptible to Nick’s antics than he normally would be.
Again, tough to call and Nick could easily flake out, but I think Nick gets the upset here.
Amy,
I do like Thiem’s game quite a bit. I think he is a complete player with all the weapons necessary to do very well in this sport. I do think there is more work to do, but that is always the case with young player.
Thiem is making real progress this year. I do not think that any of the young guys are ready to contend at the slams yet. Raonic has also made a good deal of progress. I don’t love first strike tennis with the big serving, but he’s worked hard to develop other aspects of his game. He does seem to be like Nishi with the injury problems.
Nats: You can’t be serious!!!!
The first time you told us Kyrgios was your second favourite player I thought you were having a larff. You have shocked me. I wont bother to repeat what I think of him – I’ve already spelt it out. I’m just waiting for the day when the spectators get on his case or an umpire has the balls to default him.
Bet Loudmouth has demanded Cedric Mourier is not chair umpire for the match tonight.
@ed 10.35PM,
Can’t help it, ed! Sorry, but I fell in love with his tennis, not him ?
Let’s go, Nick!
I think Raonic will prevail His one loss to Nick was when he came back too soon after the foot surgery, but there was no way he was going to sit out Wimbledon last season. As long as his serve is working, and it has been this week, think he can outplay Nick. But am expecting 3 sets.
And also 3 sets for Kei to win over Gael.
I will go for Nick my second favorite player! Although he hasn’t played his best game so far at Miami, I hope he can take Milos down. Milos does not deserve to go further in this tourney after that fiasco vs Nole. If he is injured he should go home…
Nishi will win in 2! La Monf stands no chance…
I think that Kyrgios and Raonic should be a good one. I think that it could go ether way. If Raonic is hampered or compromised in any way, then I think Krygios can capitalize. If healthy, I would go with Raonic. I can see it going three sets with Krygios pulling out the win. I also hope that I am wrong and Raonic will pull it out.
I really enjoy watching Monfils. He’s definitely more focused now. I would love to see him win this match, but I think Nishi’s got too much game. I think it could go three sets if Monfils comes out focused and playing the way he is capable of playing, but Nishi should get the win.
i hope he beats nick. speaking personally, i really can’t stand the guy.
Nick singling out Rafa and mentioning his bane seems as his inferiority complex towards Rafa…and he used to train with Fed who was the one forcing the time rule because of Rafa so there must be the influence on Kyrgios…for me it was equally disrespectful when Novak used to impersonate Rafa and as he matured he realized he should not be doing it…Nick will learn…and I love his tennis!
Go Nick!
Curious is envious of Rafa because Rafa is loved and Curious isn’t! LOL
well it is curious as to why he keeps singling rafa out!
hard not to see it as envy or jealousy….
rafa has class, had it as a kid, has it now. people who have the kind of macho narcissistic swaggering attitude that nick has are often insecure and envious of others…
Curious! Hey, I like that name for Nik! Good one! I also think there may well be some envy on Nik’s part towards rafa. Rafa us loved and adored by the fans and gets mobbed everywhere. All Nik has done is get people to dislike his antics on the court.
Amy,
I did want to say that it’s nice to see you here posting again! I hope you are well now. I have missed reading your thoughts.
i will write you an email soon nny!!
probably tomorrow…..
Might as well be the case…
Curious can’t singling out Fed because Fed has been fined for swearing:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cez7tMOXEAA8K_7.jpg
Fed and Kyrgios are not the only ones to use obscenities on court…
“Rafa went to Cedrid Mourier and ended up receiving the warning. The Spaniard, who seemed to be unhappy with the warning then said to the umpire, ‘It’s the first time in my career I’ve been warned for audible obscenity,’
Then, interviewed by journalists, he declared: ‘I am sorry, I beg forgiveness. I do not launch rackets nor have I never done anything like all this and so I feel bad about it. It will not happen anymore.'”
http://www.tennisworldusa.org/In-a-first-Rafael-Nadal-gets-Warned-for-Audible-Obscenity-articolo31068.html
http://video.gazzetta.it/indian-wells-clamoroso-warning-nadal-il-match-alexander-zverev/402f3ef2-ec40-11e5-bcd2-e91b79c8e32a?refresh_ce-cp
nadline was right!
[nadline10 MARCH 29, 2016 AT 7:43 PM: “hawkeye suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder when it comes to Fed.”]
https://tenngrand.com/social/player-pages/rafael-nadal/comment-page-124/#comment-96931
Me and Rafa have at least one thing in common then.
His “name” not “bane”…?
I love Nick’s tennis! Very entertaining. Love him at full tilt being in any draw. And I used to think he was a box of rocks. He’s not. He can act that way – but he’s not. IMO…of course.
No doubt he’s a polarizing personality. Not much of middle ground there.
Maybe that will change. Maybe not.
I think Nick is the only one left in the draw who could beat Djokovic if his game is on. He’d beaten Fed and Rafa, he might as well surprise Novak…I think that’s the main reason why some people here tend not to like his game or I would call it “suppressed fear”…I understand it, though, but nothing lasts forever… ?
I gotta agree with this. Nick may be a controversial character but I like his game too much for him not to be one of my favorite players to watch. His talent is insane and at his best he could beat Nole. Of course Nole would have to be below his best. He really hasn’t been playing that well lately but he’s still winning just because of how good even his average game is and just his presence itself. I think Novak beat Rafa partially due to his presence. He was in Rafa’s head from the start of their recent match. If Nole played Nick, I don’t think that would be the case for the young Aussie.
@ Benny G, 4:39PM
Well said!
I think Nole beat Rafa recently simply because he is a better player at the moment.
Same reason Rafa beat Fed so many times.
I don’t buy into this concept of a player having a mental block with another player.
He has to lose a whole bunch of times first even before such a concept was true. The fact that they would continue to lose is likely for the same reason they started to lose.
He’s lost the last six. That mental block concept is very real. Example is Roger playing Rafa on clay or someone like Berdych playing Djokovic (2-22 H2H).
My point is that he had to lose so many matches even for that theory to hold water.
Why did fed lose so many matches before Rafa got in his head?
It’s a chicken and egg situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpKqMC2YfwI
“Eeeeeeegg”
Hahahahaha, sorry but FOTC never gets old for me but I digress.
Do you? Or don’t you.
Well, if what everyone wants is someone to bring it to Nole sooner than later, I think Nick’s the man. He’s not nice, polite, or overly impressed with anyone but himself! lol…it’s sport! His pluck demands him to go all in if he’s feeling the right vibe/sensations. A lack of strategy? Sure. He’ll do all he can to use the fact that Nole has never played him to his advantage. Not that it will work, but I can’t wait to see him try!
Suppressed fear? Really? For myself, I would be thrilled to see anyone step up and challenge Novak! If Kyrgios can do it, then more power to him!
So far Kyrgios has been more just talk and not a lot of consistent results.
He doesn’t have the head for it. Similar to Dim-Dim Dimitrov.
anyone else think that nole looks very jaded and has done for a while?
as for nick, sure he can beat nole in a one-off but he’s not going to be challenging him on a consistent basis unless nole really goes into a slump in which case a number of players can beat him.
I have to agree on all points…
That’s all very possible, certainly, amy.
Nole is now and has always seemed hyper-aware. Not sure I agree with jaded.
ok that is reassuring rc…
i am just worrying about him a bit and feeling protective.
after a while surely it gets hard to be the hunted rather than the hunter…
not really. He just won Indian Wells. Granted he played bad, but it’s scary that he is winning huge titles even when playing bad.
just worried for him ricky. i really like him and get fed up with him being bashed so i tend to see problems even when they are not there…
He turns it on when needed.
It’s rarely needed.
Fed will be back soon.
That’s the point I have been trying to make. Novak hasn’t been playing his best and he’s still winning.
I don’t think the word is “jaded”. I think he is very motivated to stay on top and have his place in the record books. He seems focused and determined.
I asked the very same question during IW. I definitely detect cracks in his armour. I think the strain of maintaining his status as a tennis god** is starting to take its toll. Once the wall is breached others will pour through the gap.
*See my recent comment on the Breaking Bad thread
Nick is not a box of rocks like Dim Dim, imo. But it remains to be seen, I’ll give you that. And it also remains to be seen if he can become consistent or not.
Look at Monfils. He might finally be settling down and going for consistency — Monfils, at the same age as Rafa, no less. I’m giving Nick time. Let’s see how it goes with Raonic.
Naw come on now how many times have we said that about Monfils. Same as Gulbis.
I’m from Missouri on those two.
Nick still has time but again, a few matches mean little as far as consistency required to be serious contenders on the big stage.
We gonna see, no?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055wFyO6gag
Yes, we gonna see.
Hawks,
I am with you regarding Nik and consistency. I am waiting to see it happen. There is a lot of potential with him. No question about that. But whether he realizes it, that’s the big question.
a box of rocks?
Not the brightest bulb; sharpest knife in the drawer; box o’ rocks. Just my opinion.
Immense physical talent, though.
You Ricky, on the other hand, are bright and sharp!
#CubicDimonia
hawkie, many days you are irrepressible… hahahaha
Hawkeye,
Yes, you are correct.
nom nom nom nom nom 🙂
Yes, our Hawks is irrepressible! Good for some much needed laughs!
I got that phrase – box of rocks! I like it. 🙂
I’m looking forward to the Kyrgios/Raonic encounter to see who will out serve the other.
See? You CAN live in a world without Rafa!
#TimeHealsAll
Tiggy is going with Kyrgios and Nishikori today.
Great minds think alike.
Do you? Or don’t you.
#NickeiIndex
^^^ Edit: Don’t you? Or do you.
I am sorry, I beg forgiveness. I never done anything like all this and so I feel bad about it. It will not happen anymore.
Most people hate Kyrgios so they want Raonic to win. This match is played at night. Clearly, the balls will travel slower and lower on the surface. If Raonic requires more efforts to hit through, Kyrios has his chance here. Basically, Raonic groundstrokes are not so good if compare with Kyrgios.
I hope Kyrgios wins in 3. Kyrgios vs Novak is far better than Raonic vs Novak.
If it goes to a tiebreak I reckon NK may well win in two sets.
We’re about to find out.
TB
It’s Mon-Kei!
Don’t mind watching Kei lose to Gael. Allez Gael!
1st set. Kei has no answer…yet. Might be starting to adjust. He came out nervous serving and Gael got the early break, held, and Gael is being brilliant. 😀
Monfils played great tennis like this beating Federer in Monte Carlo last year. He has the 1st 6-4 and it looked easy for him!
Kei’s 2nd serve – easy pickings. Lots of pressure serving but holds. Better start to the 2nd set.
it’s turning around now
LaMonf – He’s hanging on! just one thin break down.
Kei rushing it – too many blown chances.
Working the crowd, is Gael. He holds! 5-4
Feels like Gael can do it…
le Monf’s 2nd set has always been a liability. It’s what loses him so many matches.
Kei over-hitting kinda like Simon was 3rd set! Break point …saved. deuce. another bp got it!
On serve 4-4.
Kei & Raonic
Kyrgios for the win.
When all seemed lost this match has come alive.
just needs to break now.
Monfils is running on an empty tank but now Nishikori is serving to stay in the match.
This is the best match I have seen so far in Miami this year.
Match points for Gael… 3rd mp…deuce. Gosh Kei saved all of those. AD Nishi. Error Kei. Deuce. Another over-hit fh. mp #4 Gael. deuce. Great game! AD Nishi. Can he make it?…nope. deuce again. Good Volley Kei. AD Nishi. Sheeesh…Kei saved 4 mp. What a fight.
5-5 hard fought.
le Monf held multiple match points but failed to convert. Doubt he can hold on much longer. They’ll need a stretcher to get him off the court.
Monfils is good at playing dead but on this occasion I don’t think he is faking it.
Holysmoke. Nishi serving again to stay in the match.
Easy hold to 6 games for Gael. 6-5
Now Kei will try to get this to a TB. Gael needs to break to win now.
Oh….m…g. Kei saves 5th mp. Deuce. Serve and Volley. AD IN Kei. Passing shot beauty Gael! Deuce. Serve and Volley. AD IN Kei. GAME. Kei. Tie break. WOW.
WWOW! I just got home to see that this match is in a TB! I thought that Monfils would lose when he was down a break earlier in the set when I left.
rc,
Thanks for the play-by-play summary!
Glad you liked it, Nny. This match was so good but Gael ? sad he lost.
And I’m a big Kei fan, you know. Wanted Gael to make this SF as a reward for his great efforts in Miami.
And the next match – I don’t want to annoy the heck out everyone with pro-Nick excitement … There’s only 2 or 3 here that like him!
Nishikori wins.
Too bad that Monfils wasn’t able to get the win. But I am glad that he made a match of it.
The ESPN commies are saying this loss will sting for Monfils.
When you can’t close it out, then it comes back to bite you in the end!
That was a tough match to lose.
Nishikori vs Kyrgios should be a good Semifinal.
Yep!
Nick serving pants. But somehow still up 3-1
3-2 Better serving from Milos. lol at Nick with a SABR attempt.
Yeah, lot of Fed’s influence on Nick as I said…Nick isn’t playing well, not even close to his best…
That’s a tough loss for la monf. Five match points. So sad he lost. He’s been playing so well this year and I feel like he really deserved this match after all the fight he showed from a break down in that final set. I think he needed this win more than Kei. Huge opportunity Monfils he just misses out on. And if Kyrgios wins this we have just barely missed out on an epic Kyrgios/Monfils SF clash. Monfils now at 15-5 on the season. I hope he can put this loss behind him and get back to work and make another good run. Whether he’s playing super business like or not, he’s got way too much talent not to make a big run at one of these upcoming masters 1000s. He made the semis at Monte Carlo last year so hopefully he can have a good clay court season again. ALLEZ LA MONF!! ??????
+1. Benny G. Hope he can get right back to work.
Kyrgios serving for the set. Told the ump “quit looking at me” hahaha never a dull moment.
Ace. 15-15. 2nd serve – un-returnable. 30-15. DF. 30-30. 2nd serve. 30-40. Break chance Milosh. Nick can’t get a 1st serve. But bp saved. deuce. ACE. AD Nick. Gets it.
1st set Kyrgios. erratic serving.
Kyrgios and Raonic is a pretty good match so far. Both guys struggling a bit but Nick has come up with some bigger shots and is serving for it up 5-4 after this changeover. Let’s go Nick!! ??????
Nick gets the first. Fantastic end to that set. Clocking the ball. Vamos Kyrgios!!
Nick only 48% of first serve and winning a set…wonder what would have happened if Nick was playing better than this ?
Yeah. If Nick was serving like he did in Marseille and Dubai the match could be over by now! But he’s not. Lucky for Nick, Milos isn’t at his best either.
Here we go…Break point for Nick! hahaha can’t make it and chastises himself. deuce. wow clobbered a 2nd serve did Nick. BP again. Saved by Milosh. Deuce. Milos 2nd serve again. punished by Nick. AD Nick. bp 3. ACE. saved. deuce. AD Milosh. Too good. he holds serve. But that was an exciting game. Milos leads 4-3 on serve.
I just tuned in to this match. I had company and finally they left. So Nik has the first set and now it’s TB.
Vika v Angie could be a great match after this one. Doubt if another match can top Vika v Mugu – best match of Miami for me — we’ll see.
Kyrgios holding easy. It’s 5-5. 2nd set. Can see a TB coming at this rate. Milos stamping his authority now — serving ahead. 6-5.
Easy hold again, Nick. Not a sniff for Milos. 6-6 Tie Break.
1-0 Milos
1-1
2-1 NK
2-2
3-2 NK with a MB
4-2 NK
5-2 NK
5-3 NK
5-4 NK
6-4 NK. Match NK.
He’s going to win this in straight sets.
rc,
Yes, looking foreward to Vika-Angie.
Nik pumped up and ahead in this TB.
Look at that serve! In by a millimeter!134 mph!
Nik wins I straight sets.
lousy TB from Milos
Yes, very true. Raonic had his chances. But Nik was serving out of his ski in that TB.
I meant to say out of his SKIN!
Yesssss Go Nick! Semi’s. This should fire him up – watch out Kei!
Vamos Nick!! Huge win!! In the top 20 for the first time in his career!!
I didn’t know that Nik is now up that high in the rankings.
His first Masters semifinal.
These guys have been sweating billets out there today. Monfils and Nishi looked soaked to the skin in their match.
It’s going to get hotter in southern Florida over the weekend.
Nny,
Did you watch any of Nick in Marseille or Dubai?
I meant to say sweating BULLETS!
As I expected…Nick gets a pretty was win without playing his own best…he will have to raise his level for Novak…I assume Nick will beat an out of gas Nishi…
Good job, Nick! Prove to those doubters that you can be up to the task not only game wise but mentally and discipline-wise as well… ?
“was” should read “easy” ? the spelling checker is driving me crazy…
don’t like Kyrgios due to his attitude but beating Djokovic would be nice for a change. lol
If he did that I would be prepared to overlook his obnoxious behaviour. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Just this once mind you.
Hard to tell if Raonic was still having a problem with the abductor tear. He was passed fit to play but his movement was undoubtedly compromised. A lot of the time he was not getting into position to execute his shots effectively.
100% agreed…that’s why I wrote he was lousy in the TB…..I only watched the TB. Milos is a lot better from the baseline now… he was kind of rushing his forehands and not getting into the desired positions…
I agree with ed and vamosrafa. Raonic as missing shots that he would make in his sleep. I wondered if he wasn’t entirely at his best. However, that takes nothing away from Nik who was able to serve a lot better in the second set and especially in the to when it counted most.
I wonder in Nishi will have much left after that tough battle against Monfils in the heat and humidity today.
Milos was not at his best. Neither was Nick – at least not as good as he was in mowing down his draw and winning Marseille.
Good tweet by Ricky:
@Dimonator
Nick Kyrgios had won seven Masters 1000 matches in his ENTIRE CAREER prior to Miami. Has won four already in this event.
He’s making good progress. Hope he can win tomorrow and get to the final.
Nick will pass his mate Bernie in the rankings ?
rc,
Again, interesting observations from you regarding these two guys. Nik did say in the post-match in court interview, that he did not serve well earlier in the match, but had it when he needed it most.
Great tweet from Ricky pointing out how little Nik has done in Masters tournaments until this one.
You have to wonder if Nishikori will have had time to recover sufficiently to deal with Mr. Curious tomorrow.
ed,
Yes, I posted something similar about how much Nishi will have left for the match with Nik.
No, Milos played pretty well. His serve was not at his own standards but he was moving well and playing some great shots..Nick just would not let it go! That’s what I love about Nick’s tennis: he is brave and persistent although somewhat lose at times…
Agree that Milos played lousy TB…
I thought Milos returned very well and was solid off the ground. His movement is tough for me to gauge because reach is so long… he can stretch an arm out to get back so many balls! Watching Milos, he’s all arms and legs covering the court.
The thing the commies were wondering was if he was having trouble using his legs serving. His serve speeds were on the low side – 2nd serve too. Not hitting his usual number of aces. 4 aces for the match.
http://www.flashscore.com/match/IPh6LndT/#match-statistics;0
But Nick’s hilarious. He had so much confidence in that tb.
Congrats to me.
As I said, Milosh is still compromised. What did he have 3? 4 aces? Pretty obvious.
Nick played well if not at his best but seriously, you can count on one hand the number of times he’s been at his best. He’s had a good draw and has taken advantage. Definitely fun to watch as he pulls off shots I’ve never seen by anyone else.
I don’t see him getting past Nishikori.
Yep. Hawkstradamus. You continue to be right, I’ll say! And yet, I wonder about the Nikkei match…
The serve stats tell the story. Milos had to be guarding an injury – at least when serving — 4 aces? And his good returning could be down to Nick’s serving being off for most of the match. Milos did hit some incredible shots. He’s got that Delpo stretch and lunge capacity. Hope he’ll be okay for Monte Carlo.
If nick’s downfall is consistency and mental maturity, Raonic’s is health. The guy simply cannot stay healthy.
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