Rafael Nadal topples Kei Nishikori to reach quarters – Sony Ericsson Open 2012
Last year’s finalist, Rafael Nadal, advanced to the last eight after beating world number 16, Kei Nishikori of Japan, in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 in the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami on Tuesday.
The win was not that easy for Nadal, as the second seed faced some tough competition from the Japanese before overcoming him in two hours and 10 minutes.
The Spaniard made a shaky start, as he had to save four break points in the very first game of the match. Nadal lost his serve in the third game but struck back immediately to equalise the score at 2-2. The world number two was
in complete command after that, dropping only one point in his next three service games. The Spaniard hit another blow to win 6-4.
Nadal, who looked a bit rusty on serve in the earlier part of the opener, got it under control afterwards, capturing 17 of the 22 first delivery points. The Spaniard put away six of the seven break threats he faced.
Having complete command on his serve, Nadal made a good start in the second set. The left-hander claimed an early breakthrough, racing to a 3-0 lead. A little lack in concentration resulted in Nadal’s serve getting broken in the
ninth game but he made quick recovery to claim it 6-4.
Both players committed a couple of double faults but Nadal’s first delivery percentage and conversion rate were better than his opponent.
Commenting on the match, the 10-time Grand Slam champion said, "The beginning was a very tough match for me. At the end of the first set, I felt that I started to win my serves easier than him. I believe that I had more the control
of the game. In the second set I started well, 3-0. Just [at] 5-3, I didn't play my best game there and he broke me. [I was] happy to have the break back later and finally win the match."
Nadal also revealed that he had some problems with his left knee during that match. The Spaniard said, "I am not probably in perfect condition today with the left knee. But the important thing is to try to win as many matches as
possible.”
The Spaniard will play Frenchman, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, in the quarterfinals. The sixth seed, Tsonga, beat Florian Mayer to reach the last eight.
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