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Miami Open: Top Mens Contenders

By Nate Slaymaker

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Mar 26, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Kei Nishikori hits a forehand against Roger Federer (not pictured) on day ten of the Sony Open at Crandon Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Nishikori is primed for a huge win and the Miami open may be the stage for it to happen.

4. Kei Nishikori

2015 Record: 18-4

Career at Miami: 9-4

Best Finish at Miami:  QF (’14)

Nishikori is primed for a huge win and the Miami open may be the stage for it to happen. The courts are quicker than Indian Wells, so his penetrating groundstrokes will seem even more powerful. His defense is reaching the Murray-Djokovic levels, as is his two-handed backhand.

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Last week, Feliciano Lopez served Nishikori off the court. The trouble with Lopez’ serve could be scary since Nishikori has been placed in the same quarter as Milos Raonic. Nishikori and Raonic have started a budding rivalry on tour lately, win the man from Japan leading the career head-to-head at 5-2. Nishikori just beat Raonic in Davis Cup and has only lost once to him on hard courts.

If Nishikori beats whoever gets out of the toughest section in the quarters, he will likely matchup with Djokovic, who he beat at the US Open. In that match, Djokovic was at his best, but Nishikori was just better. It showcased what the tennis world is hoping for from the world No.5.

Next: Miami Open: Top Contender #3

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