Australian Open Quarterfinals: Ranking the Final Eight

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AO Quarterfinals: Ranking the Final Eight

Sep 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Kei Nishikori (JPN) returns a shot to Marin Cilic (CRO) in the men

3. Kei Nishikori

How he got here:

R1: Nicolas Almagro in three

R2: Ivan Dodig in four

R3: Steve Johnson in four

R4: (9) David Ferrer in three

Possible path to title:

QF: (4) Stan Wawrinka

SF: (1) Novak Djokovic

F: (3) Rafael Nadal

Chance at Championship:

Nishikori started the tournament with an impressive win over the always dangerous Almagro. He used to live and die with his brilliant backhand, but at this Australian Open, Nishikori has displayed power and accuracy from both sides. His serve is also an improved shot over when her made the US Open final last year. Nishikori’s destruction of Ferrer in the Round of 16 may be the most impressive performance of the tournament thus far. Ferrer always fights hard and his defense forces you to play winning tennis. The winners from both swings were flying all around the court from Nishikori. He takes the ball earlier than anyone else on the tour and his offense mixed with his speed is a scary combination. He should get by an semi-injured Wawrinka and be a very difficult out for Djokovic and Nadal/Murray.

Australian Open Champion Percentage: 16%

Next: Australian Open Quarter Final Ranks: Number 2

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