Alexander Zverev and Kei Nishikori will be going head-to-head for just the second time in their careers when they meet again in the semifinals of the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters on Saturday afternoon. Their only previous encounter came in the Washington, D.C. semis last summer, when Zverev got the job done 6-3, 6-4.
Just 21 years old (he celebrated his birthday on Friday), Zverev is already no stranger to massive success at the Masters 1000 level. The German triumphed twice on the big stage last season, first on the red clay of Rome and then in Montreal. Zverev is coming off a runner-up performance at the Miami Masters and now he finds himself in the Monte-Carlo semifinals thanks to three-set victories over Gilles Muller, Jan-Lennard Struff, and Richard Gasquet.
“The third set was very intense; a lot of tight moments,” the world No. 4 said after outlasting Gasquet 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 in two hours and 39 minutes on Friday night. “I feel like in the tightest moments we both played the best tennis. I’m just happy with my performance tennis-wise–also mentally-wise.”
Nishikori needed even more time to get past Marin Cilic, as he won his quarterfinal contest 6-4, 6-7(1), 6-3 after two hours and 54 minutes. The world No. 36 from Japan had multiple match on his own serve with a chance to seal the deal in straight sets, but he could not stumble across the finish line. Nishikori eventually finished the job an hour later, but not before showing signs of discomfort with his right wrist.
Even though Zverev’s battle with Gasquet was physically taxing, he will likely benefit from facing an opponent who has also endured a tough road through the draw and is likely to be less than 100 percent on Saturday.
Pick: Zverev in 2
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Nishikori in 3
What is nishikori injury condition??
Did he took a treatment in the match with cilic?
Nishikori is fit and fit. Only getting better day by day.
There was only 1 medical timeout during Nishikori – Cilic match, and that was for Cilic. Nothing serious tho. But Nishikori is looking great, and he have said himself, he is only feeling better and better for every match he is playing.
he wasn’t great against Cilic
Compared to how Nishikori have played prior to this tournament, yes he is playing and looking great here in Monte Carlo.
I think he’s been a bit lucky with poor from from opponents, but still a lot better than we’ve seen him for a while. Now we have a repeat of the Madrid 2014 .,Go Nishi
I credit Nishikori for playing well in this tournament. Cilic placed too much pressure on himself by saying he was coming after the number #1 ranking in the world prior to this tournament. A true champion produces and doesn’t have to provide notice. Meanwhile Zverev has demonstrated maturity in recent matches while being down. In previous tournaments his frustrations, while being down, have got the best of him, and would he be unable to regain composure for a win. His steady improvement in his game and willingness to stay focused will lead him to win in 2 today.
Why can’t I post on this thread?
your posts are going through
well, one went through. surprise surprise
Longer than a paragraph? doesn’t go.
That happened to me the other day. Tried to reply to you on Nole. Hit Post Comment and it disappeared!!!
Yep Hawk there’s definitely something fishy going on. Andy post of length would not go through during Zev v Kei. One sentence after the match was over went through.
Dr. Evil at the command system lol
Weird. Mine was a few paragraphs. Longer than usual but nothing out of the ordinary.
Not uncommon for this site to act up though.
Nole ole ole in rafas quarter yet again next week. If one was a conspirator, one might suspect collusion.
Someone’s out to get Nole now?
Often, I reply to a post , and it appears ten posts later.