U.S. Open QF previews and picks: Djokovic vs. Murray, Wawrinka vs. Nishikori

September 3, 2014 Ricky Match previews 119

Djoker 2A matchup worthy of a Grand Slam final will take place during quarterfinal action at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, when Novak Djokovic faces Andy Murray. Kei Nishikori, meanwhile, is making a quick turnaround to battle Stan Wawrinka.

(1) Novak Djokovic vs. (8) Andy Murray

Djokovic and Murray will be colliding for the 21st time in their careers when they do battle in the U.S. Open quarterfinals on Wednesday night. The head-to-head series stands at 12-8 in Djokovic’s favor, including 10-6 on hard courts following four straight defeats of the Scot on this surface. They most recently faced each other earlier this season in Miami, where Djokovic cruised 7-5, 6-3. The Serb is 3-2 lifetime against Murray in Grand Slams, but Murray has won twice in major finals; at the 2012 U.S. Open at Wimbledon in 2013.

It has been an up-and-down summer for both men. After winning Wimbledon, Djokovic lost early in Toronto and Cincinnati. The world No. 1, though, appears to be back in fine form with routine victories this fortnight over Diego Schwartzman, Paul-Henri Mathieu, Sam Querrey, and Philipp Kohlschreiber. Murray had suffered uninspiring losses to Grigor Dimitrov at Wimbledon and to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Toronto, but he played relatively well in Cincinnati and has taken his game to a level reminiscent of the Murray of yesteryear in New York. The world No. 9 booked his spot in the quarters by taking out Robin Haase, Matthias Bachinger, Andrey Kuznetsov, and Tsonga while losing only two sets in the process. Murray was especially impressive against Tsonga, but that result notwithstanding, the two-time major champion has struggled immensely against top-10 competition over the past 14 months.

Pick: Djokovic in 4

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(3) Stan Wawrinka vs. (10) Kei Nishikori

Nishikori will be back in action 36 hours after wrapping up his previous match at 2:26 in the morning when he takes the court on Wednesday afternoon. The Japanese star survived Milos Raonic in a five-set marathon on Monday night–and also Tuesday morning–that tied the U.S. Open record for latest finish. Nishikori preceded that thrilling encounter with much easier demolitions of Wayne Odesnik, Pablo Andujar, and Leonardo Mayer. The world No. 11 is an awesome 38-9 for his 2014 campaign.

Up next for Nishikori is a third career meeting with Wawrinka, who leads the head-to-head series 2-0. The fourth-ranked Swiss prevailed twice in 2012; 6-4, 6-2 on the clay courts of Buenos Aires and 6-3, 6-3 on the hard courts of Cincinnati. Now a Grand Slam champion having triumphed at this year’s Australian Open, Wawrinka advanced to this stage of the U.S. Open by beating Jiri Vesely, Thomaz Bellucci, and Tommy Robredo. He also got a third-round walkover past Blaz Kavcic, so to say Wawrinka is the more well-rested of the two competitors in this match would be a gross understatement. The previous round will take too big a toll on Nishikori.

Pick: Wawrinka in 3

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119 Comments on U.S. Open QF previews and picks: Djokovic vs. Murray, Wawrinka vs. Nishikori

  1. I think Djokovic/Murray could be a blockbuster. I have to give the edge to Novak, but I still expect this to be a great match. I think Murray has been playing better tennis lately so this should live up to expectations.

    I expect it to be more competitive than earlier this year. Even though Novak has looked more impressive, you can’t count out Murray. I can see this one going four or five sets. It’s always hard to pick between these two. Novak may seem to be the obvious choice, but I think it’s going to be quite a battle. I am not counting out Murray.

    I would love to think that Kei could beat Stan. If the previous match had not been such a marathon and there wasn’t such a quick turnaround, then it might well be so. But I do believe that Kei will be at a disadvantage. I don’t think Stan is playing great tennis. I thought that Robredo played a poor tb to give Stan a two sets to one lead in their match. He had opportunities but wasn’t able to capitalize.

    I can always hope that somehow Kei will have enough left to get the win, but I don’t see it happening.

    Reply

  3. What took you so long Ricky?

    Nothing left in the tank for Kei. subStandard taking advantage as he does vs a weakened opponent.

    Nole over Muzz. (Still don’t truly know who I’m rooting for until I turn on the match.

    #NE1ButRF
    #SayNoTo18

    Reply

    • Where ever did BB dig up this mug shot of himself. He hasn’t looked like that since 1999.

      #Photoshopped
      #Misrepresentation
      #PassingOff

      Reply

  10. Stan helped Kei by choking and double faulting on break point to lose the second set. I am just glad that Kei is still hanging in there.

    The weather is better on Arthur Ashe today. You can see that the players aren’t suffering as much. That’s a good thing.

    Reply

  16. Wonder if Kei will shout “Allez” if he wins this 3rd set (like Stan shouted “Vamos” after taking a set from Robredo…was really in your face rude). But, Kei is too polite. One thing is probably true, I doubt Stan learned ” 来る” (Japanese for “come on”).

    Reply

    • @jpacnw,

      Well said! I didn’t realize that Stan should “vamos” after taking a set from Robredo. I was watching the match, but just didn’t catch it. Yes, that was in your face rude. It explains why their handshake at the net was so cold.

      Too bad that Kei couldn’t serve it out to get the set. No matter what happens, he’s done himself proud. To come back after 36 hours playing a four hour plus match, is just amazing. He is in this match and that’s something.

      Reply

    • Yeah, he shouted “Vamos” followed by an immediate loud F bomb. It was shortly after that, at the beginning of the next set, that he and Tommy had a few words.

      Reply

  34. RT @chaztopher : “With Stan-Kei threatening to run long, the wheels are in motion for Djokovic-Murray to finish sometime next week.”

    Reply

  37. I thought Kei needed to close it out in four. I can’t believe this is going to five sets. It’s going to throw the whole schedule off for the night matches. The women were supposed to start at 7:00 pm. The fifth set is just starting right before 7:00 pm.

    Bad news for Novak and Murray. They will have to hope that Serena can make short work of Pennetta.

    Reply

  39. Who could have guessed this match would turn into a cliff-hangar and its hard to credit Kei has lasted this long. He’s earned an Olympic Gold for endurance.

    Reply

  47. I had to take some time to just bask in Kei’s great victory. I worried that he wouldn’t have anything left after losing that fourth set tb. It’s really been a privilege to watch him in these two matches. Now this is why I watch tennis! This is what it’s all about!

    Guts, courage, will, no quit! I am so, so happy for Kei! The first Japanese player ever to advance to the semis of a slam!

    Even Ricky is okay with being wrong. How can you not feel good about this one? I am also fine with seeing him knock out Stan. I thought he was ripe for being taken out even when he played Robredo. But it took the IRONMAN to do it in another five setter.

    I don’t care if he has nothing left for the semis. He’s got two days to recover. I am still glad that he won. A feel good moment!

    Michael Chang’s reaction was something to see! It’s just great to come here and share a moment like this with everyone.

    Reply

  49. Nicely settled in with some whisky on the rocks. This is the way to watch a tennis match. Watch two titans go h2h without caring who wins 🙂

    Reply

  50. Yep, it’s going to be a late one. But at least Serena did her part by beating Pennetta in about an hour.

    I am here for the duration. I won’t miss this one, no matter how late it goes.

    Let’s get this party started!

    Reply

  55. I think Murray needed to win that first set. The tb was just dreadful. I don’t think this is Fed’s to lose. I still think that Novak can win it. I just think this is the first opponent that he has bumped up against who can challenge him. Novak has had it easy so far.

    Murray needs to hang in there. He needs to win the second set to make a match out of it.

    Reply

  58. Way to go, Murray! It’s weird that this tb was as lopsided as the first one, only this time it was Murray who dominated. Same score, 7-1. That is crazy!

    The ESPN commies have been talking about Murray’s forehand. He stepped it up big time in the latter part of the set. Good job!

    Now we have a match! This will go at least four sets. I am loving it!

    Reply

  59. Its amazing how Djoko manhandles Rafa sometimes on the HC but is getting out rallied by Murray here. Murray getting Djoko with a combo of his bh slices and CC forehand

    Reply

    • Murray played so superb in the second set, I couldnt believe what I was watching….it was one of the best sets I have seen anyone play in a while. Murray really has talent…..but he still has some way to go in his recovery! that second set was really high quality, not even Novak could take the heat!!! Murray knows how to play him best!!! I wish Murray could have won but it was not meant to be!!! Hope Murray does well for the rest of the year!!!

      Reply

    • His FH ain’t oil-painting material either..

      RT @juanjosetennis: “Relevant stats at 2-1 in the 3rd set: Novak Djokovic FH winners vs FH UFEs: 7 to 17”

      Reply

    • Too funny:

      RT @juanjosetennis: “He hasn’t said it as much, but one of Djokovic’s core beliefs is that overheads should go directly towards an oppponent and/or out.”

      Reply

  62. Muzza is cooked. That is not the gait of someone who can go thru 2 5-setters…….

    I just have a feeling Kei has another 5-setter in him…….

    Reply

  64. At this rate, none of Muzza or Nole seem capable of taking Fed out. This is 2012 all over again with Rafa out and Fed looking like making a run

    Reply

    • I don’t see why anyone would think this was Fed’s to lose. RBA had nothing to trouble Fed, so it’s easy for Fed to look invincible. Fed hasn’t played anyone who could challenge him. I still think that Novak can win this.

      Reply

      • agreed..in fact, i think Djokovic is the favorite to win the title… Nishi will be tough but he wont be able to play another 5 setter…dont think so…that’s asking too much…dont forget the menta/emotional exhaustion..its his first semi as well

        Reply

      • Djokovic massive favorite for the title. He matches up so well against Nishikori and will be so fresh for the final. Just doesn’t seem as legit without Rafa there, such bad luck with the wrist.

        Reply

  65. I think Murray needs to take a page from Kei’s book. He has worked with Michael Chang on his fitness and it paid off in those back-to-back matches.

    With two days off until the semifinal, I think it is possible that Kei has another five setter in him. I am not about to write him off.

    Reply

    • No, I would not like to think so! I believe that its in Murray’s mind! He needs to forget about the injury like Rafa was able to do in the end. When Rafa returned after the tour he was really hsisitant and it showed in his game, but after a while he began to trust his form. Murray needs to do the same, if he did last night, I bet he would have taken the match to five. We all know he is very capable of beating Novak!

      Ooglymoogly…..im with you there, it not legit with Rafa out, but its not their fault either!!! But, oh how I miss the Spanish bull!!!

      Reply

      • Thank goodness it’s over. It was getting quite painful to watch………..

        Onwards and upwards Muzza!

        Novak needs to tighten up on those UEs because Kei is in the hunt.

        #Ironman
        #RealDeal

        Reply

  69. Murray is very good tennis . He is getting back to his best level but needs a bit more time perhaps…

    for this match, I got a feeling muzz gona take set 4

    Reply

  71. Now I understand why Rafa has managed his injuries so he avoids surgery, thus far, touch wood. Muzza needs to get help on that back……….

    Reply

  72. I felt that Murray wasn’t going to be able to win the fourth set. He seemed to be having trouble with the back. He just couldn’t stay with Novak that long. I think that he’s not all the way back yet. But he is playing much better lately. The good news for him is that he can only gain points from here on out because he was off this time last year.

    I don’t know that one can say he’s finished as a top player or won’t ever be the same. It’s true that surgery really takes a toll on a player and it takes a lot of time to regain strength, fitness and mobility. That’s why I think Rafa’s team made the right decision with the knee in avoiding surgery and taking the more conservative approach.

    It’s very physical to play Novak. Just ask Rafa! I just think that at this point, Murray isn’t quite there yet. But that doesn’t mean he can’t get there. He should keep on working, deal with any back pain and try to gain some points in the fall hard court season and move up in the rankings.

    I am looking forward to seeing Novak and Kei in the semifinal. Everyone will pick Novak for the win, but I am not counting out Kei. He’s shown us so much in these last two matches.

    Reply

    • Yes, i am countin gon Kei…..but playing Novak is whole different animal!!! I am thinking that the Bird is going to be the dark horse in this tourney!!!!

      Reply

  73. Murray’s back did for him, such a shame. If surgery didn’t do it, what his next move? I had a minor operation on my knee in May last year, just in a day surgery lasting about 10-15 mins because I slipped on a pavement and bruised the cartilage and I can still feel pain where the surgeon made the incision.

    Nole is virtually in the final because I don’t know how Kei ended up beating Stan in 5 ets because he didn’t seem super fit to me.

    Reply

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