Kei Nishikori beats Andy Murray in five sets
What a game. What a performance. What a great match by Kei Nishikori. He was aggressive, smart and did not let the previous statistics jolt his game. There is something to be said about the fact that Murray was his own worst enemy and his temper often gets in the way of his performance but take nothing away from Nishikori...as his stamina and shot selection dominated the battle.
A great match and a great example of relentless tennis. Thanks for tuning in, everyone. Until next time.
Nishikori wins the fifth set and beats Murray!
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 5-7 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Can Nishikori -who has been amazing - hold his nerve? Yikes, he double faults and it’s 0-15. Murray commits an error on his backhand and it’s tied up. Another error and we’re at 30-15. Another one on the return and Nishikori has DOUBLE MATCH POINT....he’s done it!!!!! Nishikori wins it as Murray commits a backhand unforced error.
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 5-6 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Nishikori with a backhand unforced error and Murray leads 15-0. A long rally, however, ends with Murray overhitting and it’s tied up. Murray asking umpire for crowd to stay quiet during rallies...good luck with that one. An unforced error by Murray makes it 15-30 but one from Nishikori ties it up. Murray, amazingly, double faults. That’s three for the match, but two in this set. Break point. What amazing point!!!! Nishikori with a great drop shot again but Murray returns with a powerful shot which Nishikori responds to!!!! WOW. Nishikori is one game away from a HUGE UPSET.
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 5-5 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray gets ready to return. Nishikori serving to stay in the match. Two quick mistakes and it’s 30-0...and a beautiful drop shot followed by a great lob makes it 40-0. Nishikori wins the game and we’re at 5-5.
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 5-4 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Is the pressure too much for Nishikori? It appears so as he loses the first point after a long rally. 15-0. But Nishikori comes back with a great sliding volley, which just too much for Murray. 15-15. Nishikori keeps attacking that net but messes up on the volley and Murray goes 40-15 thanks to a first serve winner. Big point here...Murray overhits and Nishikori is still alive in the game. A great first serve winner means game to Murray and he is now one game from the semifinal.
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 4-4 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
No question about it, it’s now or never for Murray and needs to break. Nishikori wins the first point thanks to that wide serve, so hard for Murray to return. Another unforced error makes it 30-0. Murray challenges Nishikori’s serve and it’s in...it’s now 40-0. Murray gets one back after an overhit by Nishikori, and another error makes it 40-30....huge point here for Murray. Nishikori attacks the net directly after his serve and as the ball comes...a routine volley goes so wrong! We’re at deuce. Wow. Murray now has break point thanks to another overhit. What a comeback...and he takes it!
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 3-4 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the first two points thanks to some powerful offense but Nishikori come back with a great return from Murray’s serve. 30-15. An amazing rally ends with two drop shots! First, Nishikori tries it from the baseline and Murray knows its coming so he answers with one of his own...which Nishikori can’t get. Amazing. 40-15....but Nishikori, with an audacious backhand volley by the net, gave Murray no chance. 40-30. Murray holds on, however, as Nishikori commits an unforced error.
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 2-4 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
This is a huge game for Murray, he needs to break here. A mishit by Nishikori makes it 0-15, and after a long rally, Nishikori gets impatient and commits another unforced error. He redeems himself with a powerful forehand winner after a smart serve...15-30. Nishikori goes again with his forehand and again, Murray can’t deal with it. 30-30. Nishikori is absolutely going all over the court to save anything Murray throws at him, but this last one, a strong forehand, is too much. Nishikori takes advantage as Murray makes an error and again thanks to another mistake..he wins it.
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 2-3 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Momentum back on Murray’s side as he takes the first point. Nishikori decides to switch rackets after a few mishits....a great drop shot makes it 30-15 but another unforced error rewards Murray with double game point. What a great couple of returns from Nishikori and we’re at deuce. Double fault by Murray and it wasn’t even close. Wow. Break point to Nishikori and with a ridiculous backhand winner he takes the game!
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 2-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Nishikori to serve Game 4 and the crowd is pumped up. He commits an unforced error after Murray returns and it’s 0-15. Murray looks like he is reengaging as his defense forces a couple of unforced errors: 0-40 and it’s triple break point. A little fatigue causes Murray to lose the next point but Nishikori makes a big mistake on his forehand and Murray’s defense takes it.
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 1-2 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray starts the third game with an ace, but then it’s tied up after he hits a backhand unforced error. 15-15. Murray hits a great forehand, it’s called out, but his challenge proves that it was in. We’re at 30-15. He keeps shouting to his camp, he knows that he’s running out of time, the frustration shows again as he commits another unforced error: 30-30. But Nishikori makes a mistake of his own as he returns Murray’s serve and it’s game point. He wins it, and finally gets a game since the sound drama.
Fifth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 0-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray changes strategy and looks to attack the net every single time. It pays off as he wins the first point but then Nishikori comes back with two fantastic volleys. 22 from 30 on the net. Murray hits a deep ball and Nishikori challenges....and wins it. Game point...an unforced error means Nishikori takes it.
Fifth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6, 0-1 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
What will Murray do here? Since the sound fiasco, he has clearly lost his focus and Nishikori has taken full advantage. The ball-kids have found the moth/bug and they are removing it, the crowd boos. Murray serves to begin the set and it’s 0-15 after an overhit. Nishikori makes an unforced error of his own, however, and we’re at 15-15. Murray takes advantage of another mistake and we’re at 30-15, but Nishikori crushes on his return and it’s tied up. A fantastic rally ends with an even better cross-court forehand...my goodness. Nishikori is playing the game of his life right now. Break point. An unforced error by Murray means its game for Nishikori.
Nishikori wins fourth set!
Fourth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-6 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray starts with a forehand unforced error and it’s 15-0 and a great first serve winner makes it 30-0. It’s quickly 40-0 as the server continues to dominate and after Murray makes an error...we’re playing five. What a match!
Fourth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-5 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray gets aggressive and wins the first point with a powerful first serve winner. A long shot, which goes over by Nishikori makes it 30-0 but Murray fails to capitalize on a simple backhand...and guess what? the sound issue is back! The sound can be heard again...this is so weird. Murray makes it 40-15 with an ace but a failed volley goes to 40-30. A great albeit lucky return by Nishikori makes it 40-40. Murray challenges but fails. There is also a moth, by the way, getting in the faces of the players. Break point for Nishikori. Murray wins a great forehand winner to stay in the game and the following point as Nishikori overhits his forehand. He comes back, though, with a clean backhand serve return and his speed wins him the next point as he runs to the net and slides to reach a powerful shot by Murray....back to break point. He wins it and it’s 5-1. Wow.
Fourth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-4 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray looking to regroup as he takes the first point but messes up on the next point after he mishits a return from a weak second serve. Nishikori now has the plan to attack the net at every given opportunity and wins the next one, 30-15. Murray commits a backhand unforced error and it’s 40-15. A ridiculous rally ends with a winner by Nishikori as he lobs Murray and unintentionally wins the point...no one, not even him thought that would stay in. Wow. 4-1 to the No 7 seed.
Fourth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-3 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray keeps fighting with the umpire as he gets ready to serve. This anger has clearly messed up his focus and it’s 0-15. Murray keeps complaining. Nishikori is taking full advantage as he speeds up to the net and anticipates Murray’s drop shot. 0-30. Murray hasn’t won a point since the sound issue...well, he does now as Nishikori makes an unforced error. 15-30. Murray makes a mistake of his own after Nishikori returns his serve and it’s now double break point. Murray totally mishits and loses the game.
Fourth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray has established his footwork here in the fourth and is looking to have picked up on another gear. His patience rewards him too, as Nishikori commits an unforced error. 15-30. Another long rally and a great forehand winner right on the baseline is too much for the server. Double break point. Nishikori takes one back as Murray’s backhand return is too long...and something really strange just happened: the sound system in the stadium made some weird piano-like noise and the umpire calls for the point to be replayed. Murray is furious! Murray complains to the umpire saying that they should have kept playing after the sound malfunction and his temporary lack of focus causes him for it to be advantage to Nishikori. He loses the game to a subtle drop shot. A weird game.
Fourth set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 1-1 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray answers back with a couple of great service winners but Nishikori answers as Murray commits an unforced error. It’s tied up as Nishikori keeps attacking deep from the baseline but Murray wins the game after a forehand winner and an ace, hiw seventh.
Fourth set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 0-1 Nishikori (* denotes next server)
Nishikori serves at the beginning of the fourth set and wins it. 1-0. Apologies for the short analysis...ESPN didn’t even show it!
Murray wins third set!
Third set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray to serve for the third set and starts well as he now just waits for Nishikori to make the errors. 15-0. Another mishit with the backhand and it’s 30-0, which is followed by a powerful first serve winner. Triple set point for Murray...who takes it with an accurate cross-court backhand.
Third set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 5-4 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
The game begins with a mistake by Nishikori as he mishits a simple forehand. A ridiculous leaping backhand winner deep from the baseline makes it 15-15 but a mistake from his forehand quickly turns into 15-30. Murray, smartly, attacks the second serve, which startles Nishikori and it’s now double break point. Murray gets impatient, however, and commits an unforced error but Nishikori returns the favor and Murray wins it. The Scot screams and pumps himself up!
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Third set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 4-4 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray takes the first point with 127mph first serve winner, which is followed by an ace. After a backhand unforced error (12 UE in the set) it goes 40-0 but Nishikori takes one back due to a mistake by Murray. Wow. Murray had the entire court to take a winner with his forehand but Nishikori anticipates and returns it! 40-30. He takes it to deuce after he attacks the net and a forehand volley is too much for Murray. Another unforced error makes it break point and after a great rally, Murray loses his focus and hits it out. We’re tied up.
Third set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 4-3 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray has become more intense, you can tell by his reaction from the previous game. Nishikori, however, keeps coming with his offense and takes a 30-15 lead but then mishits a forehand and it goes 30-30. Murray makes a mistake of his own as he struggles to reach a serve which slides wide but again, Nishikori makes another error on his forehand. We’re at deuce. Oh boy, Nishikori double faults (his third of the match) and it’s break point. Murray takes it after a backhand unforced error and takes the lead in the set.
Third set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 3-3 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray starts with an unforced error and it’s 0-15 but a huge forehand ties it up. That point showed exactly why he is one of the best players - if not the best - in the world. Nishikori surprises Murray with another drop shot and it’s 15-30 but Murray ties it up again with an ace. Nishikori commits an unforced error and Murray goes 40-30...and with another mistake he takes the game.
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Third set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 2-3 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Nishikori leads 15-0 with a backhand unforced error but Murray also takes advantage from a mistake as the server also makes an error and mishits. 15-15. Nishikori’s subtle drop shop...is so good. He wins the point and that propels him to take the game.
Third set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 2-2 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the first point after the net fails to help Nishikori, and the ball skims out. Murray double faults and he does not look comfortable. A great forehand winner puts him more at ease as he takes a 30-15 lead but Nishikori answers with a forehand of his own and ties it up. A mishit, however, rewards Murray with a game point and another unforced error means he takes it.
Third set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 1-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Nishikori goes 30-0 and you really have to start thinking about Murray’s mindset right now. The server goes 40-0 and wins it as Murray makes an unforced error. The new rackets are introduced for Murray.
Third set: Murray 6-1, 4-6, 1-1 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray to serve and it starts well as Nishikori commits a backhand unforced error...or was it? The replay overturns the call and we have to replay the point. This time, after a long rally, Nishikori confuses Murray with a great forehand as the Scot runs in the other direction. 0-15. An unforced error by Murray makes it 0-30. This is weird by Murray as he looks a little flat-footed and out of sorts. A great drop shot proves me wrong and it’s 15-30. The best rally of the match ends with a Nishikori unforced error. It begins with a drop shot which Murray returns, followed by a lob, which Murray returns...and Murray takes it. But Nishikori wins the next one and it’s break point. Murray ties it up with 40-40, Nishikori challenges and succeeds...wow. It was just out and it’s second serve. A great forehand winner makes it game for Nishikori. What a battle by the No 7.
Third set: Murray* 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the first three with unforced errors from Nishikori and it’s triple break point. Murray knows the drop shot is coming and goes to the net and wins it.
Nishikori wins second set!
Second set: Murray 6-1, 4-6 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray takes the lead with a first serve winner but Nishikori is doing a fantastic job at making him run all over the court and wins the point after a long rally where the Scot was chasing the ball like a madman. Murray gets another service winner but Nishikori is really taking it to Murray as he comes back with a great backhand return. 30-30. Murray faults and guess what? It’s set point to Nishikori. He takes it after a long rally ends with another unforced error by Murray. Game on.
Updated
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 4-5 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray makes an error with a backhand unforced error, though he didn’t like the call. Nishikori takes the lead with 30-0 and another subtle drop shot makes it 40-0. Great stuff. Murray makes a mistake on his forehand and Nishikori wins it.
Second set: Murray 6-1, 4-4 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Wow. A sweet backhand from Nishikori just about makes it on the line. Great defense and its 0-15. Murray answers back with a first server winner and a powerful forehand...you can tell Murray is getting angry with his shot making. 30-15. Nishikori makes an error with his forehand as it goes long and the next point....is amazing. Nishikori tries a great drop shot and how did Murray get to that? Well he does and wins the point.
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 3-4 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
After three minutes of warm-up, we’re back and Nishikori has game point at 40-30. Nishikori wins the game with a great forehand winner after a weak return from Murray.
This weather break will define Nishikori’s performance, in my opinion. Can he keep the momentum or will the mental aspect of his game deteriorate? Roof is closed and court is nearly dried. Back shortly.
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 3-3 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Nishikori misjudges his shot as it goes into the stands, 0-15. The next one is another error as after a Murray return, he totally misjudges the volley and he smashes it right into the net. We’re at 30-15 after a mistake by Murray as some more clouds appear...a great drop shot (no one in the stadium thought he would do that) makes it 30-30 and Nishikori’s defensive play appears to be waking up. 40-30. Murray complains about the wet surface and we have stopped once again due to the rain. The court is now getting really wet and the roof is closing. Will this break stop Nishikori’s momentum? Murray leaves the court as he looks to refocus. Stay tuned, the score is 40-30.
Second set: Murray 6-1, 3-3 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Nishikori takes the lead as he attacks Murray with a powerful forehand winner. Another mistake by the No 2 in the world and it’s 0-30. It’s a big chance for Nishikori...and now it gets bigger as he gets triple break point. Murray screams to himself. Nishikori gets the first break of the match with a great forehand. Best game of the match for him.
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 3-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the point as Nishikori makes an unforced error with his backhand, another one and it’s 0-30. The next point appeared to be an ace bUT Murray challenges...he fails and it’s 15-30. A great point - possibly his best - by Nishikori as he wins it with a great backhand volley, coming close to the net. But Murray takes the next one and it’s break point. Nishikori makes another unforced error and we are now seeing signs of real frustration as the Japanese pro begins to complain to himself.
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Second set: Murray 6-1, 2-2 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray wins the game with a great forehand smash winner.
We’re back on. Roof not needed.
Meanwhile, here is some great knowledge from Greg Phillips via email:
It was 20 years ago this week that Sampras threw up on court during his quarterfinal win over Alex Corretja, which remains one of the most brutal matches I have ever seen. I am still a bit confused at how he managed to win it.
Second set: Murray 6-1, 1-2 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Bad news: we see some dark clouds hovering above Arthur Ashe...good news: we have a roof just in case! Murray waits for fans to sit, takes the first point with an ace, his fourth of the match. It goes 30-0 as Nishikori mishits a return. He comes back as Murray faults and after another unforced error it’s 30-30. Some raindrops are falling now on the court. A perfect opportunity by Nishikori to take the lead is wasted as he makes a mistake on a return. Rain is now falling and it might be time to bring on that roof. Yesterday, during Monfils and Pouille, it took 15 minutes to close the roof and dry the court. Stay tuned. We’re at 40-30.
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 1-2 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Murray is not shying away from the second serve and is getting really close and attacking it full-force. Nishikori wins the next two with a couple of backhand unforced errors. The baseline rallies are getting longer, not sure who will take advantage from that...Murray with another fault and it’s 40-15 to Nishikori. Murray, once again, goes over with his forehand and the server takes it.
Second set: Murray 6-1, 1-1 Nishikori* (*denotes next server)
Murray gets aggressive and wins his first point thanks to a first serve winner. A ridiculous two-handed, cross-court backhand is too much for Nishikori. 30-0. After smart play by the net, Murray wins the next one with a backhand and then wins the game with a great forehand. He’s only had 4 unforced errors in 44 minutes.
Second set: Murray* 6-1, 0-1 Nishikori (*denotes next server)
Nishikori wins the first point with Murray’s unforced error but then returns the favor as he makes his own mistake. This game is all about error making as Murray faults again. 30-15. A lovely drop shot is too much for Murray and he takes it to 40-15. He wins the game thanks to some better defending causing Murray to make another forehand unforced error.
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Good point, Tony! Thank you.
Well done to Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares for winning their match against Sa and Guccione, 7-6, 2-6, 6-3.
Murray wins first set!
First set: Murray 6-1 Nishikori* (* denotes next server)
Nishikori is all over the place right now. A simple second serve return goes all kinds of wrong and it’s 15-0. Murray with an unforced error and it’s tied up but the Scot leads again thanks to a first serve winner. Nishikori, behind the baseline, makes another mistake and double set point....Murray takes it with an ace. That was a 35-minute set.
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First set: Murray* 5-1 Nishikori (* denotes next server)
Nishikori waits for fans to take their seats, begins the game with a forehand unforced error. Murray looks very composed, calm and efficient. Wins the next one with a great backhand but after a high return from Nishikori, the Brit faults with his forehand as it goes out. 15-30. The rallies are getting longer but the problem is that Nishikori gets impatient and often overhits. Two shaky backhands by Murray make it 40-40 but Nishikori double faults. He has won 2 out of 10 on his second serve. A fault by Murray ties it up again but Nishikori returns the favor and once again, it’s advantage Murray. Another unforced error and Murray breaks.
First set: Murray 4-1 Nishikori* (* denotes next server)
The first point is won after a long rally, Nishikori gets impatient and over hits it. 15-0. But the next one is a great cross-court forehand winner and Nishikori ties it up. Murray goes wide on his serve to find some shade as the sun really is a nuisance right now. He wins the next two points thanks to a couple of backhand unforced errors, but a fault of his own makes it 40-30. Murray wins the game with an ace...Nishikori challenges the call and succeeds! Second serve....the longest rally of the match is won by Nishikori with a beautiful backhand winner. Deuce. Murray takes advantage and wins the game thanks to a couple of unforced errors.
First set: Murray* 3-1 Nishikori (* denotes next server)
The sun is most definitely an issue right now as it’s impeding the players’ vision on parts of the court. Nishikori wins the first point thanks to a backhand unforced error, and the next point is a beauty. Murray with a drop shot, which is returned by the quick Nishikori but as he attacks the net, Murray lobs him. Great stuff. Nishikori takes a 30-15 lead thanks to an unforced error but Murray capitalizes with a magnificent backhand. 30-30. Nishikori double faults and Murray gets a break point and it’s that two-handed backhand again...just too much for the 26-year-old from Japan.
First set: Murray 2-1 Nishikori* (* denotes next server)
Murray begins with an ace, a first serve winner and a Nishikori unforced error. 40-0. Nishikori, struggling with the sun, makes another mistake and it’s 2-1 to Murray.
First set: Murray* 1-1 Nishikori (* denotes next server)
Nishikori serves into the sun and after a solid return by Murray, he wins the point with a powerful smash, it’s now 30-0 thanks a to forehand volley. A couple of backhand unforced errors make it 30-30 but the next point goes Nishikori’s way as he attacks the net and wins it with a strong volley. After a great rally, Nishikori is on the board.
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First set: Murray 1-0 Nishikori* (* denotes next server)
And Nishikori starts strong but also due to a very weak second serve by Murray - 0-15. Nishikori wins the next point with a great forehand winner. By the way, Murray is serving with the sun right in his eyes so it’s going to be a tough one. Murray is asking the crowd to be quiet and just like that it’s 0-40. Nishikori with an unforced error and Murray wins the first point of the game. 15-40. A powerful first serve winner makes it 30-40 and it’s now deuce as Murray comes back from triple break point thanks to another unforced error. Nishikori makes another mistake with a long backhand and Murray has advantage. He wins the game with an ace.
Let’s play some tennis! Murray will serve first.
The players are currently going through the last 2 minutes of warm up. One of Nishikori’s biggest strengths is his speed so Murray has to be ready for long rallies. In addition, his backhand is extremely accurate so he’s going to need to be on it from the middle of the court.
Some sound advice from Thomas (in Leeds) via email:
C’mon Andy concentrate from the start and play solid tactical tennis against this guy and it should be no more than 4 sets, I’ve been up since 5am so I could really do with an early finish tonight!
The players are about to come out of the tunnel. Meanwhile, this is pretty cool from Sports Illustrated:
Measuring the distance Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori ran into the #USOpen quarterfinals https://t.co/Hx2IJZ8PyX pic.twitter.com/xhnOcERwBq
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 7, 2016
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Weather report
Partly cloudy. 83F (28C) with some humidity. There’s a little breeze but nothing to get crazy about.
Preamble
Hello everyone and welcome to the US Open and this quarterfinal match between Britain’s Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori from Japan. It should be noted that these two know each other well, having played eight times (Murray has won seven of them) with the most recent encounter being at last month’s Olympic Games. In that game, Murray defeated Nishikori 6-1, 6-4 in the Rio semi-finals and it would be a huge surprise if the Scot lost today.
Despite his victories at Flushing and the fact that he has only dropped one set in the tournament, Murray has been struggling with his sleep. In his third round match against Italy’s Paolo Lorenzi, Murray seemed a little off, sluggish, and this perhaps was due to his inability to get some rest at night. It wasn’t until his next match where he was able to relax. “For me, I normally have no issues sleeping,” he said after beating Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round. “But I’ve slept badly here and I felt way better after getting a proper night’s sleep.”
Let’s hope he got a good eight hours last night because Nishikori - with last month’s semi-final loss on his mind - will do everything in his power to cause an upset. The world No 7 is a 2014 US Open finalist when he lost in straight sets to Marin Cilic but that year he beat Wawrinka and Djokovic to get to the finals so Queens has been very good to him in the past. Given the enormity of the occasion and Nishikori’s capability of surprise, this might prove to be Murray’s toughest match, sleep or no sleep.
Stay tuned, this should be a good one.
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