Rafael Nadal and Nishikori may have tough openers on their hands on Wednesday in Shanghai. They are going up against Ivo Karlovic and Nick Kyrgios, respectively.
(8) Rafael Nadal vs. Ivo Karlovic
Nadal and Karlovic will be going head-to-head for the fifth time in their careers and for the first time since 2011 when they meet again in round two of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Wednesday. All four of their previous encounters have gone Nadal’s way, but he has never finished the job in straight sets. Twice the Spaniard has prevailed in a third-set tiebreaker; on the grass courts of Queen’s Club in 2008 and three years later in Indian Wells.
Karlovic is through to the last 32 thanks to a 6-4, 7-6(6) victory over Jeremy Chardy on Monday. The 36-year-old Croat is 34-21 on the season and registers at an impressive 21st in the world. Nadal is coming off a successful campaign in Beijing, where he reached the final before succumbing to Novak Djokovic. The No. 8 seed is 9-5 lifetime in Shanghai and a shocking 5-5 in his last 10 matches. Nothing suggests this will be an easy one for the Nadal, but he should once again survive the Karlovic serve in the end.
Pick: Nadal in 3
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(6) Kei Nishikori vs. Nick Kyrgios
Nishikori is looking to bounce back from–by his standards–a premature exit in Tokyo, where the defending champion was upset by Benoit Paire in the semifinals. Japan’s top player is a stellar 51-12 for his 2015 campaign, but he has underwhelmed for the most part ever since hammering Nadal in the Montreal quarterfinals. Since reaching the Shanghai semis in 2011, Nishikori is 3-3 at the event and has not advanced past the third round.
Up first for the world No. 6 is a showdown with Kyrgios, whom he has never faced. The 20-year-old Australian punched his ticket to the second round by destroying Andreas Haider-Maurer 6-3, 6-2 on Monday. Thus continued a sudden turnaround in form, as Kyrgios slumped after Wimbledon but made it to the semifinals in Kuala Lumpur and the quarters in Tokyo. This is a good opportunity for one of the world No. 32’s biggest wins, and he may be able to capitalize if he serves like he did in round one–63 percent, 13 aces, and only one double-fault.
Pick: Kyrgios in 3
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I love Rafa’s body language and I lovvvvvvvvvvvve the way he’s playing.
Vamos Rafa!
holding his serve from 0-40 in the 9th game was crucial. So proud of our man!!!!!!!!
Please repeat the end of the first set Rafa. I forgot to take my pills this morning. A tie break will do terrible things to my BP which is already too high 🙁
Shit. TB
tiebreaker
no such thing.
#Tiebreak
Rafa’s giving Karlovic too many short balls. He has to step up the aggression.
Hell’s bells we’re going to three sets.
set Karlovic
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRSIr6KVAAA-mAU.png
🙁
please Rafa…calm down…please…
With Karlovic serving first there is no room for error now.
Rafa’s intensity has dropped off along with his serve. Not looking so promising at the moment.
Rafa will be serving to stay in the match.
Crucial hold to 5:5
6-5 Karlovic
Serving to stay in the match AGAIN and force another bloody TB. I cant bear it.
I just moved yesterday and the cable guy came to hook up the tv. So here I am freaking out because I want to watch Rafa. I missed the first two sets but watched the third set.
This is beyond nerve wracking!
Come on Rafa!
Another TB! I can’t believe it!
If nothigb else, Rafa is hitting his fh accurately.
Yes, mini-break!
Rafa go for it. PLEASE
MP!
YEEEEESSSSS, Vamos Rafa, well done!
Oh boy,,oh boy. Bless his little cotton socks.
his socks 🙂
Just kidding…