MADRID: Novak Djokovic has continued his hunt for another Madrid Open title by edging his way past Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez 6-4, 7-5.
Facing a player who was making a record 16th appearance at the Madrid Masters, Djokovic struggled to pull away from Lopez. The opening set saw the power and precision of the second seed matched by some determined play from the home favourite. With such little disparity between the two, it was a moment of confusion that rewarded Djokovic the opening set.
As shot from the Spaniard landed on the baseline and was tentatively returned by Djokovic. Lopez assumed the ball drifted out and made no further effort in the rally, but the linesperson disagreed to reward the point to the defending champion. The costly mistake elevated the Serbian to his second set point, which he converted thanks to a Lopez error.
The cat and mouse game continued into the second set with the second seed struggling to pull away, prompting delight from the animated Spanish crowd. Lopez’s sole chance occurred at the start, but he was denied by a focused and determined Djokovic. In a test of nerves, it was Djokovic who prevailed. A Lopez forehand error guided him to a trio of match points before another secured Djokovic’s place in the last eight.
“The level was definitely very high today I thought from both players. I think Feliciano played really well,especially in the second set. I wasn’t winning too many points on his service games until the last one where I managed to return many balls back in play and then win the match.” Said Djokovic.
A recovering Nishikori awaits
Earlier in the day, Kei Nishikori continues his strong tradition of good results at the Caja Magica. Facing Spanish Veteran David Ferrer, the sixth seed triumphed 6-4, 6-3, in just 85-minutes. Ensuring that he wouldn’t get off to a slow start similar to his match yesterday, Nishikori claimed 69% of his service points and converted four out of five break points.
“I’m very happy to win, especially in two sets. I was expecting to play a long match again.” Said Nishikori.
“I think I played a very good tennis until the end. I think I was using my forehand a lot and playing aggressive tennis. I think it was working well.”
The world No.8 will will next play Djokovic. He currently trails 2-11 in their head-to-head and is currently on a ten-match losing streak against him.
“Novak is someone that I don’t have a good record against. He’s a great player, very solid. He doesn’t have many weaknesses.” Nishikori explained.
“I got to stay really positive and I got to play great tennis to beat him. It’s a great opportunity for me to see how much I can play.”
Kei Nishikori in Madrid
2013 – QF
2014 – F
2015 – SF
2016 – SF
2017 – QF* pic.twitter.com/hUk828ywe6— José Morgado (@josemorgado) 11 May 2017
Friday’s semifinal will be another test of his current fitness. The Japanese player has recently been hindered by a wrist problem and continues to remain cautious about his ongoing recovery. The uncertainty has raised questions about his planned appearance at next week’s Rome Open.
“It’s been feeling good, better than I expected. I’m happy with my physical condition.” He said about his wrist.
“I don’t know how much I can play, how much this wrist is going to hold for couple more matches. I don’t know.”
Nishikori’s triumph means that Ferrer will have to wait longer to win his 700th match on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard is hoping to become the 13th player in the Open Era to achieve the milestone.
