World No.6 Kei Nishikori is not expecting an easy ride in his upcoming clash with France’s Gael Monfils.
The Japanese No.1 booked his place in his third consecutive quarterfinal in Miami after defeating Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-4. It was a mixed performance for the Japanese player, who produced 26 unforced errors compared to 22 winners against the Spaniard.
“I thought I had a really good performance,” Nishikori said after his fourth round win.
“I was able to stay aggressive throughout the match and was in control. I played some good tennis.”
Nishikori intends to continue his aggressive approach in his upcoming match against Monfils. The clash will the second meeting between the two players and their first since Halle in 2014, when Nishikori took the match in three sets.
“(Monfils) doesn’t make too many mistakes but he also doesn’t attack much either”. The world No.6 said.
“I need to be aggressive and take the match to him in order to win. I need to be really prepared.”
Monfils booked a showdown with Nishikori after outlasting Grigor Dimitrov 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-3, during a two-and-a-half-hour marathon. The Frenchman moved past the Bulgarian despite producing 20 more unforced errors than winners (48-28).
The Miami Open is Nishikori’s 38th appearance in the main draw of a Masters event. He is yet to win a Masters 1000 title, with his best achievement being runner-up to Rafael Nadal at the 2014 Madrid Open.
