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ATP Madrid: Murray v Nishikori Predictions

By Geoff Nichols

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ATP Madrid: Murray v Nishikori Predictions

Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori are set to do battle in the ATP Madrid Masters semi final tonight. The pair have never met on clay before, but have both been showing impressive form in recent weeks. Yesterday both men were in cruise control, dispatching Milos Raonic and David Ferrer respectively.

In my eyes the winner of this second semi final will be my tip to lift the title on Sunday, where they will face Rafael Nadal. Nishikori in particular has been playing such an aggressive brand of tennis on the clay that I think he could inflict serious damage on the Spaniard.

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Murray has mirrored Nishikori in being proactive, attacking the second serve of opponents throughout this week in Madrid as well as on the way to the Munich title last week. He will look to capitalise on the Nishikori serve, whoch is solid but not spectacular.

Off the ground it is difficult to know who to give the edge to. Nishikori hits the ball harder, arguably as hard as anyone on tour right now, but Murray’s ability to neutralise these shots is second to none. The added variety the Brit brings to the court will be different to the rhythm with which Nishikori could play with against Ferrer.

It will be crucial that neither player leaves the ball short as often in these big matches anything short is ruthlessly gobbled up. Nishikori’s comfort against the high ball has been noticeable this week and no doubt his overhead will need to be in full working order against Murray.

Key Area: Second Serve

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I think we will see both players earn a lot of break point chances and it will be important to be brave on the big points. Second serves that aren’t hit with purpose can sit up to be hit, especially on clay and neither man has been showing any mercy in recent weeks.

I can see this being such a pattern that it will be almost jarring for the spectators, with both men punishing or at least trying to punish every second serve of their opponents. They would do will to take something off their first serve and keep their percentages high to combat this.

Murray leads their head to head 3-1 and whilst he lost their most recent meeting, the overall lead should give him confidence. It shows the Nishikori is forced into thinking more on the court and it will be interesting to see how the world number 5 responds.

Prediction: Murray in three

Next: What can Rafael Nadal achieve on the clay?

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