2019 AO R2 - [8] Kei Nishikori vs Ivo Karlovic

[The Green Mile]

Looking forward to this one and who knows, a possible banana skin match if Ivo continues his great serving form. The big man has also won the last 22 of 26 TBs he's played (unfortunately two of the losses were in the Pune final).

H2H is 2-2, last meeting at the 2016 USO where Kei won in straights. First match scheduled on Margaret Court Arena, 11:00 pm local time.

David vs Goliath match #2 (Opelka vs Fabbiano), may the best man win!

 

[Red Rick]

Don't see how Nishi loses this.

 

[The Green Mile]

Don't see how Nishi loses this.

By losing three TBs duh Yes, I pretty much agree with you, it' going to be a fun watch on 2nd serve return though. I'm just happy that it's very early in the tournament so Ivo should be feeling quite fresh hopefully.

 

[Red Rick]

By losing three TBs duh Yes, I pretty much agree with you, it' going to be a fun watch on 2nd serve return though. I'm just happy that it's very early in the tournament so Ivo should be feeling quite fresh hopefully.

Ivo is gonna chip, run to net, and get passed a lot.

Oh you mean that 2nd serve return.

 

[The Green Mile]

On court now, Millman on commentary again yay

 

[The Green Mile]

Kei gets time violation before match even started lol...

 

[The Green Mile]

Ivo's chances of winning would have risen approximately 11.3% if this match was played on an outer court, no doubt.

 

[The Green Mile]

Look at Kei's return positioning on 2nd serve goddamn, when was the last time he was this far back? It's deuce here though, window of opportunity.

 

[The Green Mile]

Ivo holds on though, three aces, most of his 2nd deliveries were around 195-200 kmh, uhm ok...

 

[Giorgilli]

I forgot how bad karlovics ground game was

 

[The Green Mile]

Another quick love hold from Kei, no trouble. 2-1.

 

[The Green Mile]

Another bloody shanked forehand passing shot from Kei, Ivo trying to make some inroads in this return game after winning the 1st point with a sublime short slice play.

Opportunity gone fairly quickly, Kei winning four straight points to hold for 3-2. His 3rd serve/volley change up of the match.

 

[The Green Mile]

Kei leaning to one side slightly on return, trying to anticipate the placement of the delivery. Very difficult so far, even when reading accurately, 7 aces already for the giant.

 

[Capulin Zurdo]

VAMOS NISHIKORI!!!!!!!

 

[NuBas]

Why Karlovic so bad? Why does he move in when his volley skills suck

 

[Giorgilli]

Why Karlovic so bad? Why does he move in when his volley skills suck

Well... Do you think he can win from the baseline?

 

[The Green Mile]

Kei reading a couple of 1st serves here, two excellent returns. That wide serve on ad side is probably Kei's best bet at reading serve, Ivo a little more predictable on that side at times.

Kei breaks for 5-3, great return game.

 

[The Green Mile]

Why Karlovic so bad? Why does he move in when his volley skills suck

Come on now....

 

[The Green Mile]

Kei wins 1st set, 6/3.

 

[Giorgilli]

Kei looking very sharp

 

[NuBas]

Come on now....

? Maybe I don't watch enough of his matches but he's made like 3 errors already at balls at his feet

 

[The Green Mile]

? Maybe I don't watch enough of his matches but he's made like 3 errors already at balls at his feet

Well, it's hard work to pick off low returns/half volley oncoming balls when your 6'11. But that's credit to Kei really. This is the only way Ivo is winning matches, he can't compete from the back of the court.

 

[AndyM]

They need to either raise the nets only give them one first serve or outlaw any players over 6 ft 6 in

 

[AndyM]

Tennis was not supposed to be an ace fest just take a basketball player and teach him how to serve

 

[The Green Mile]

On serve in the 2nd, Ivo bombing down a few unreturnables. 1-2, Kei serving.

 

[The Green Mile]

Ivo closing the net very aggressively after the backhand volley, Kei gets him on the backhand lob. 15-30....

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Those lively balls in the warmth.

 

[AndyM]

Wow has anyone ever heard it hit a successful lab over Evo

 

[NuBas]

Cilic's trainer in Karl's box

 

[The Green Mile]

Wow has anyone ever heard it hit a successful lab over Evo

Murray did it like 5 times in one of their Wimbledon matches.

 

[Giorgilli]

Far out karlovic is so annoying

 

[The Green Mile]

Here comes Ivo, chance at 15-15, 2nd serve from Kei, monster forehand to force the error.

Jamming body serve, 30-30. Kei holds on 4-4, composed response.

 

[The Green Mile]

Ivo serving rather brilliantly in this 2nd set especially, great hold for 5-4, his 20th ace included.

 

[AndyM]

Wow karlovic they're barely missed that forehand otherwise he would have had a set point

 

[NuBas]

Why does Ivo let these balls go when he's so tall its not like its out of reach. He's being lazy.

 

[lud]

Dr. should of challenge ball at 40-40

 

[The Green Mile]

Why does Ivo let these balls go when he's so tall its not like its out of reach. He's being lazy.

He has a habit of doing this. Not sure if it's just poor judgement, hope for an error or yeah, just general listless play. Maybe a combination.

 

[Giorgilli]

Tie break

 

[The Green Mile]

Rain..........

 

[lud]

Rain delay.. Nice

 

[PeteD]

No finer gentleman in tennis than Kei. Anybody notice how he reacted when that net cord ball dropped in?

 

[PeteD]

Ivo changes shirt. The old man looks still plenty ripped.

 

[The Green Mile]

Two cheap errors from Kei in this TB, Ivo has the mini break back. 4-3.... Kei hitting his legs after that one, sluggish getting into position.

Ivo DF, shades of the last couple years...

Follows it up with an ace, his 16th of the set. 4-5, Kei serving.

 

[True Fanerer]

That's a mistake Kei

 

[True Fanerer]

Nm..

 

[Giorgilli]

Set point

 

[The Green Mile]

Feel like Ivo has lost a little something with the Tee serve on ad side....

 

[NuBas]

That volley was easy, no?

 

[The Green Mile]

Kei edges the 2nd set, 7-6(6). Basic volley botched at 6-6, ah well.

 

[Vamos Rafa Nadal]

Up two sets now! One more to go Nishi!!!