2016 Miami Open Semifinal - [24] Nick Kyrgios vs [6] Kei Nishikori

[I Am Finnish]

Kei was solid

Well deserved

 

[tennis_pro]

Compared to Raonic, yes. Compared to Djoko, hell no. Djoko would get the balls back deeper and in more uncomfortable positions more often. When Nick got the balls back, they were still very much attackable balls rather than off-setting Kei's advantage in the rally. That's where Ultron is better than anyone else in the game (and where Nishi himself did extremely well today for that matter).

I've marked them alright (and it's quite possible - he's almost Stan-like in his inconsistency at times)

This is true to a degree but not nearly enough to make a huge difference for Nishikori to go from hitting corner to corner to suddenly being unable to hit 3 shots in a row without hitting long or in the net. As I said, this is almost 100% mental. Nishikori still has the game he produced at the 2014 US Open.

 

[nowhereman]

Is anyone still watching the stream? They're showing highlights from the 2008 Final - Davy vs Rafa. Some good stuff so far, especially from Davy. Although, it's sad seeing how good Rafa was back then, only to realize what his form is like now.

 

[Chanwan]

This is true to a degree but not nearly enough to make a huge change for Nishikori to go from hitting corner to corner to suddenly being unable to hit 3 shots in a row without hitting long or in the net. As I said, this is almost 100% mental. Nishikori still has the game he produced at the 2014 US Open.

Agree, but we're not quite there yet. Let's wait for Sunday and reevaluate.
Nick couldn't produce anything to offset Nishi's baseline dominance. Djoko just might (as well as the mental part).
But seriously, if Novak's a massive favorite with the bookies (as he should be), I might bet some money on the upset.

 

[Chanwan]

Is anyone still watching the stream? They're showing highlights from the 2008 Final - Davy vs Rafa. Some good stuff so far, especially from Davy. Although, it's sad seeing how good Rafa was back then, only to realize what his form is like now.

I saw some yeah - miss Davy! Such a high level, when on. Such great ping-pong like rallies vs. Fed. And it didn't hurt that he absolutely owned Rafa on hard

 

[veroniquem]

Congrats to KG for making top 20, reaching his first master semi and becoming the best ranked Aussie player, all that at just 20! He's making huge strides forward, a lot to be excited about but he still has a lot of of work to do to be able to hang with the top 8 in rallies. All in all a positive event for him. Disappointed we didn't get to see a TB though.

 

[cc0509]

I honestly think Nishi stands a better chance. And stands a decent chance. Unless of cause Finalovic shows up with a level 2-3 levels above anything he's shown this week (which tbh is quite possible)

Ha ha. I wish I could believe you but Nishikori will likely drop his shorts against Djokovic and Djokovic has been ready for Nishikori and has made Nishikori pay ever since that USO 2014 defeat.

Congrats Djokovic on another Miami title, lol.

 

[HipRotation]

That poll

 

[NoleFam]

I didn't get to see much because I'm at work but I what I could see is that Kei really exposed Nick's movement. That's his main weakness. He has the power but defense to offense is not his strength and will be at a disadvantage against guys like Kei or Novak.

 

[cc0509]

As for this match, Kyrgios was thoroughly outplayed by Nishikori. Back to the drawing board for Kyrgios.

 

[Chanwan]

Ha ha. I wish I could believe you but Nishikori will likely drop his shorts against Djokovic and Djokovic has been ready for Nishikori and has made Nishikori pay ever since that USO 2014 defeat.

Congrats Djokovic on another Miami title, lol.

That's the likeliest outcome by far. He did win the last five sets with the loss of just 11 games after all - just above 2 games per set.
But from what I've seen from both this week, Nishi should stand a decent chance.
That he'll fold/Djoko will rise is of course still a very, very real possibility.

 

[cc0509]

That's the likeliest outcome by far. He did win the last five sets with the loss of just 11 games after all - just above 2 games per set.
But from what I've seen from both this week, Nishi should stand a decent chance.
That he'll fold/Djoko will rise is of course still a very, very real possibility.

 

[Fedinkum]

given that Nic has the mindset of a 13yrs old, I call it the teenage angst and "daddy never like me" syndrome.

Nick is young and is in that "hey look at me" frame of mind. Kind of in a rush to find his true identity. I kind of like his attitude but he does go over the top a bit too often. He will calm down as he matures.

 

[NoleFam]

Kyrgios got a lot of balls back in play, come on now, he's pretty fast. With Nishikori against Djokovic it's 100% mental. He's got the game to beat him, he just won't. As I said, he will be an error machine in 2 days, mark my words.

Nick is not fast at all. His movement is his weakness. He may get to a ball but he is not able to do anything with it and that is trouble if you're playing the top guys.

 

[jaggy]

Nice win I thought he may have recovery issues after Monfils.

 

[RF-18]

Compared to Raonic, yes. Compared to Djoko, hell no. Djoko would get the balls back deeper and in more uncomfortable positions more often. When Nick got the balls back, they were still very much attackable balls rather than off-setting Kei's advantage in the rally. That's where Ultron is better than anyone else in the game (and where Nishi himself did extremely well today for that matter).

I've marked them alright (and it's quite possible - he's almost Stan-like in his inconsistency at times)

Some sadly don't understand that your level of play has alot to do with wich calibre of opponent you are facing and what he does to upset your game. Kyrgios in this case can't do what Novak does to Nishikori.

 

[Devil_dog]

I stated in a post before the match that I wanted Kyrgios to win so that Novak would dismantle him in the finals... Well, heck, Kei did that to Evil Nicky instead. The match seemed more like a workout sesh for Kei than a match. Kyrgios never seemed to have a game plan whereas Kei was almost surgical in this match.

Novak on the other hand, will dole out similar punishment to Kei, I think. Ultron is just at another level from the field at this point. I just can't see what Kei did today that would upset Novak at all.

 

[ArcspacE]

Thanks, Kei - this was becoming dangerous

 

[junior74]

Still waiting for the dream final.
Guru lessons paid off well

 

[joekapa]

Kyrgios has a VERY bright future if he get's a top notch team behind him. He has game no doubt. Needs to improve his movement and his return of serve, and there will be nothing stopping him from reaching the top 10 in the future. Heck, he has beaten both Federer and Nadal on the big stages. He has proven he can do it.

If only Tony Roach wasn't that old. Even now I believe he would make a great coach/mentor.

 

[Krish872007]

Wow, didn't realise the lesson would pay dividends so soon! Great job Nishikori - best of luck against Djoko in the Final

 

[Rozroz]

Wow, didn't realise the lesson would pay dividends so soon! Great job Nishikori - best of luck against Djoko in the Final

i prefer Kei, and don't get your hopes up. Nole got my number

cheers.
KN

 

[BreakPoint]

Freaking unbelievable, Nishikori will never play REMOTELY close to his today's level against Djokovic. I remember their last match, he couldn't freaking string 3 shots in a row without framing. Expect more of that in 2 days.

Hmmm...it was hot and humid in NY at the 2014 USO. Guess what the weather is going to be like on Sunday in Miami?

Djokovic nearly melted down in the heat today against Goffin.

Their 2016 Aus Open match was played at night. 2014 USO match was played during the day. Big difference for Djokovic. His match against Simon at the AO was also played during the day. The Miami final will be played during the day. Not good news for Djokovic.

 

[junior74]

Hmmm...it was hot and humid in NY at the 2014 USO. Guess what the weather is going to be like on Sunday in Miami?

Djokovic nearly melted down in the heat today against Goffin.

Their 2016 Aus Open match was played at night. 2014 USO match was played during the day. Big difference for Djokovic. His match against Simon at the AO was also played during the day. The Miami final will be played during the day. Not good news for Djokovic.

This is getting old. He has won IW and Miami 10 times combined. Usually in hot, sunny conditions.
How about AO and USO...?

 

[mike danny]

This match was a wake up call and a warning for Nick: that he is not ready for Djokovic just yet.

 

[D.Nalby12]

Thanks, Kei - this was becoming dangerous

+1

 

[Steve0904]

I don't know why everyone just assumes that Kyrgios is the bigger challenge than Nishikori for Djokovic. The only thing I see here is people wanting the "new" match up for Djokovic rather than the tougher one and then trying to convince themselves that Kyrgios is the tougher match up. There are many areas where Djokovic would completely expose Kyrgios's game, particularly in Miami. He'd probably win 2-3 more games than Raonic did in IW. Of course, the same will probably happen to Kei, but my point is I don't see how Djokovic wouldn't beat Kyrgios easily just like he did to Raonic.

Sounds like a lot of overhyping to me. Nick couldn't even beat Djoker-lite (Nishi played great, don't get me wrong), how was he going to beat the real thing?

 

[moonballs]

Nish and Nick played a great match yesterday. But the last game Kyrgios got broken shows he still lacks the mental stength to win a big one. I was mildly surprised that he tightened up and committed all those errors in his serve game. I guess the tough guy persona didn't help.

 

[RSH]

I don't know why everyone just assumes that Kyrgios is the bigger challenge than Nishikori for Djokovic. The only thing I see here is people wanting the "new" match up for Djokovic rather than the tougher one and then trying to convince themselves that Kyrgios is the tougher match up. There are many areas where Djokovic would completely expose Kyrgios's game, particularly in Miami. He'd probably win 2-3 more games than Raonic did in IW. Of course, the same will probably happen to Kei, but my point is I don't see how Djokovic wouldn't beat Kyrgios easily just like he did to Raonic.

Sounds like a lot of overhyping to me. Nick couldn't even beat Djoker-lite (Nishi played great, don't get me wrong), how was he going to beat the real thing?

Kyrgios has a lot of tools that can theoretically bother Djokovic: the strong serving, the aggressive shot-making with pace, and also the speed and disjointed rhythm he plays at. He has a point-killing sense that Nishikori just doesn't have; Kei has to rally to construct points in order to find the kill shot. Kyrgios can snipe a winner from anywhere which would allow to avoid extended rallies with Novak.

I agree that much of it is hype and overhype, but I also think there's an underlying tactical basis.

 

[NoleFam]

Kyrgios has a lot of tools that can theoretically bother Djokovic: the strong serving, the aggressive shot-making with pace, and also the speed and disjointed rhythm he plays at. He has a point-killing sense that Nishikori just doesn't have; Kei has to rally to construct points in order to find the kill shot. Kyrgios can snipe a winner from anywhere which would allow to avoid extended rallies with Novak.

I agree that much of it is hype and overhype, but I also think there's an underlying tactical basis.

Nick attempted to swipe winners on Nishikori but Kei is fast and was tracking them down and sending them back with interest. I saw a few times where Nick's shot came back pretty hard and deep and he couldn't keep up with the pace of the rally and made an error. Also, Kei really hurt him by moving him side to side. Djokovic would do the same thing but it would be more brutal.

 

[veroniquem]

I stated in a post before the match that I wanted Kyrgios to win so that Novak would dismantle him in the finals... Well, heck, Kei did that to Evil Nicky instead. The match seemed more like a workout sesh for Kei than a match. Kyrgios never seemed to have a game plan whereas Kei was almost surgical in this match.

Yeah Nick never really seemed to be able to get into the match. Maybe just a terrible matchup for him. Glad he managed to break back in the 2nd or it would have been a downright spanking. He needs that type of encounters though. They'll help him understand how much he still needs to improve his ground game on slowish surfaces.

 

[BreakPoint]

This is getting old. He has won IW and Miami 10 times combined. Usually in hot, sunny conditions.
How about AO and USO...?

IW is nowhere near like Miami. There's no humidity in the desert. Big difference.

Most of his AO matches are played a night....a huge advantage for Djokovic. So are many USO matches.

He hasn't had to face Nishikori in sunny, hot, humid conditions, except at '14 USO....and he wilted in the heat and humidity. Miami is just as bad, if not worse.

 

[skyline]

IW is nowhere near like Miami. There's no humidity in the desert. Big difference.

Most of his AO matches are played a night....a huge advantage for Djokovic. So are many USO matches.

He hasn't had to face Nishikori in sunny, hot, humid conditions, except at '14 USO....and he wilted in the heat and humidity. Miami is just as bad, if not worse.

Miami is probably worse, but I'm still not buying a Nishikori upset. Novak will raise his game for the finals, as he always does. I doubt the match lasts long enough for humidity to seriously affect Novak's game.

 

[SoBad]

Kuznetsov would have taken Nishikori to 3 sets.

 

[cc0509]

Miami is probably worse, but I'm still not buying a Nishikori upset. Novak will raise his game for the finals, as he always does. I doubt the match lasts long enough for humidity to seriously affect Novak's game.

+1.

 

[RSH]

Nick attempted to swipe winners on Nishikori but Kei is fast and was tracking them down and sending them back with interest. I saw a few times where Nick's shot came back pretty hard and deep and he couldn't keep up with the pace of the rally and made an error. Also, Kei really hurt him by moving him side to side. Djokovic would do the same thing but it would be more brutal.

It was an excellent counter-punching performance from Nishikori, and I agree that Novak's ball control would allow him to manipulate Kyrgios more effectively than Kei. I just feel that Nick's commitment to attacking and the speed at which he plays would be natural thorns to Novak's rhythm.

 

[BreakPoint]

Miami is probably worse, but I'm still not buying a Nishikori upset. Novak will raise his game for the finals, as he always does. I doubt the match lasts long enough for humidity to seriously affect Novak's game.

I don't know...Djokovic looked like he was suffering quite a bit even against Goffin.

And remember when he retired as the defending champion against Roddick at the '09 Aus Open due to the heat?

 

[skyline]

I don't know...Djokovic looked like he was suffering quite a bit even against Goffin.

And remember when he retired as the defending champion against Roddick at the '09 Aus Open due to the heat?

Who knows? Nothing's impossible. But I do see him winning comfortably. I think he'll go all in from point one and give it his A effort to finish the match quickly. And I also think that strategy will work fine. He's simply a class above Nishikori. An upset would be refreshing, though.

 

[junior74]

IW is nowhere near like Miami. There's no humidity in the desert. Big difference.

Most of his AO matches are played a night....a huge advantage for Djokovic. So are many USO matches.

He hasn't had to face Nishikori in sunny, hot, humid conditions, except at '14 USO....and he wilted in the heat and humidity. Miami is just as bad, if not worse.

Djokovic wouldn´t be #1 for the last 2 1/2 years if he couldn´t master all conditions. Somebody always makes excuses in beforehand, and then he wins 1 and 4 anyway...

 

[beast of mallorca]

Thank goodness the Ninja destroyed that faqing Basta*d........

 

[beast of mallorca]

Freaking unbelievable, Nishikori will never play REMOTELY close to his today's level against Djokovic. I remember their last match, he couldn't freaking string 3 shots in a row without framing. Expect more of that in 2 days.

I can sense that you want Djoker to lose ? .......hmmmmmm

 

[beast of mallorca]

I don't know why everyone just assumes that Kyrgios is the bigger challenge than Nishikori for Djokovic. The only thing I see here is people wanting the "new" match up for Djokovic rather than the tougher one and then trying to convince themselves that Kyrgios is the tougher match up. There are many areas where Djokovic would completely expose Kyrgios's game, particularly in Miami. He'd probably win 2-3 more games than Raonic did in IW. Of course, the same will probably happen to Kei, but my point is I don't see how Djokovic wouldn't beat Kyrgios easily just like he did to Raonic.

Sounds like a lot of overhyping to me. Nick couldn't even beat Djoker-lite (Nishi played great, don't get me wrong), how was he going to beat the real thing?

You hit the Nail in the Head, Sir