A relatively surprising Miami semifinal will pit Kei Nishikori against Nick Kyrgios on Friday. The winner will likely earn a shot at Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s championship match.
Kei Nishikori and Nick Kyrgios will be squaring off for the second time in their careers when they collide in the semifinals of the Miami Open on Friday night. Their only previous meeting came last fall in Shanghai, where Nishikori prevailed 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Based on their current levels of play, these two competitors–if they can stay healthy–may be on course to face each other again much later this season at the World Tour Finals in London. Nishikori is 18-5 for his 2016 campaign with a title in Memphis and quarterfinal performances at the Australian Open and Indian Wells Masters. The world No. 6 got over the relative quarterfinal hump by saving five match points in a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Gael Monfils on Thursday. That was preceded by much more routine defeats of Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Alexandr Dolgopolov, and Roberto Bautista Agut.
“Not bad,” when Nishikori was asked how he was holding up physically after outlasting Monfils. “I mean, it’s not going to be 100 percent. It was tough conditions and [we played] long rallies; long match. I have to say [I am] a little bit tired now, but (will) try to get good recovery today and tomorrow morning and try to be ready for tomorrow’s match.”
A red-hot Kyrgios awaits after he upset Milos Raonic 6-4, 7-6(4) on Thursday night. When physically fit, Kyrgios has been just about unbeatable the last two months. The 20-year-old Australian completed dominated the Marseille field en route to his first career ATP title and he reached the Dubai semis before retiring against Stan Wawrinka with a back injury. Illness plagued Kyrgios in Indian Wells, where he lost his opening match to Albert Ramos-Vinolas. Back in business this fortnight, the world No. 26 has not dropped a single set in victories over Marcos Baghdatis, Tim Smyczek, Andrey Kuznetsov, and Raonic.
Even though Nishikori is an aggressive who baseliner who positions himself well on the court, he will be on the defensive against the huge-hitting Kyrgios. That could be a recipe for disaster with Nishikori admittedly less than 100 percent following his absolute battle with Monfils.
Pick: Kyrgios in 2
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who ya got?
I have a feeling Kei wins in three but I am rooting for Nick here. Nick may blow him out with Kei possibly too fatigued here but I’m gonna take Kei to use his mental strength to grind out a win like in Shanghai. If he wins I’ll be happy for him but I’m rooting for Nick. Not only is he one of my favorites but I also really want to see him take on Nole in the final. Nick with his serve makes me think I’m making the wrong pick. I mean all I can say is I want my pick to be wrong. Let’s go Nick!!
Yep — cheering for a Nick/Nole final. But had to pick Kei in 3.
Nick in 2! Only if Kei proves he is superhuman to recover easily after that marathon last night he might be able to take a set from Nick…but that is highly unlikely to happen…Kei is a great guy and a very solid player but Nick will not give him rhythm with his unorthodox game…
Go Nick!
Kyrios looked great yesterday vs Milos, but I like Kei in 3.
I didn’t manage to see Nicks matchup but did watch a bit of Kei’s and I must admit this might be a stretch to far getting another big player after last night.
Given that this is an evening match might help Kei with the conditions a bit but I still think last night took the MICKY out of him but we will see, caught in two minds over here but ill go Kei to pull another one out the bag…
In the other match, its Just Nole to beat himself if he loses. straight sets over there
Watched both games last night.Based on performance its hard to give significant advantage to any of them. But given the huge effort of Nishikori to complete his game and the lack of rest I think Nick has much better chances.
I take Kyrgios Again. Nishikori second serve too poor, and probably very tired after Monfils.
Kyrgios motivated as fuck this week. Easy pick with these odds
Nishi-at-Nite is the pick in 3 but no less than 2.
M’Kei?
#NicKeiIndex
Nikkei index! You’re good hawk. ?
Already cast my vote for Kei but woke up feeling it’s a NikK kind of day. Kei might be worn out. And I can see NiK so confident that he blasts through in 2. Either way I’m happy!
Don’t see that happening IMO. Daytime perhaps.
Nishi-at-Nite is a whole nuther kettle of fish than Baggy, Smeech and a banged up Milosh.
But full props to Nick for getting to his first Masters semi.
Kyrgios in straight sets.
Kyrgios will run out of steam and Kei will win this 2
Um Kei doesn’t have much left in the tank so it could very well be the other way around.
That match is at 3am in South Africa so Ill set the alarm and hope it lives up to be a great match
was talking more about Kyrgios ability to stay focused and play up to his ability, just have my doubts that he can do that for an entire tourney in a 1000s/masters, while Nishikori is used to the pressure. Also think the late start should give Nishikori plenty of rest to play up to his abilities.
Anything can happen at this stage. People like to keep old memories in their heads believing that nothing will change regardless of any outcome. Somehow, there are so many matches have been predicted incorrectly by the experts here.Nick definitely has the ability to beat Kei.
Nishi-at-Nite baby!
Up a break already!
Vamos!
Empty seats:
https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen/status/716041902240309248
Empty of original thought other than judging others.
Nick isn’t playing well…Nishi OTOH is brilliant so far…wel deserved first set!
1sr set o-Kei!
Vamos!
Seems like Nick is letting this thing get away from him a little bit. He’s not playing too well and Kei is on fire. Seems I was right about Kei. I had him winning in three though not a routine win.
Kei is kicking his ass. Nick’s mentally checked out. Barring any inconsistency from Nishikori, this should be over soon
not anymore
#Temporary
Yep, you said it.
Come on Nick. Yesss. AD Nick. Break!
Nishi does a Rafa double faulting on break point to let nick back in the match.
hahahaha Nick is going off the rails maybe soon…
Got the hold after a bit of antics.