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Rafael Nadal’s chances at winning the 2017 Miami Open

By Harry Floyd

Mar 29, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a volley against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) on day nine of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a volley against Jack Sock of the United States (not pictured) on day nine of the 2017 Miami Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center. Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rafael Nadal is into the semifinals at the 2017 Miami Open. He is seeking his first ever title at the tournament.

Rafael Nadal faces Fabio Fognini in the semifinals at the Miami Open on Friday.

The Spanish tennis superstar has never won the title in Miami. He has, however, finished runner-up at the event four previous times.

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Nadal’s chances of winning in Miami are relatively good.

The Spaniard has a 7-3 career head-to-head record versus Fognini. The two met last year in Barcelona where Nadal claimed victory over the Italian tennis player. Nadal has won both of his previous two meetings with Fognini.

The tricky part comes after the semifinals.

Looking at the potential finals match-ups, Nadal could face either Roger Federer or the winner of Alexander Zverev versus Nick Kyrgios.

His biggest test would be a meeting with Federer. Earlier in 2017, Nadal fell in the finals at Melbourne Park to Federer. Rafa fought hard but came up just short in the historic five set match. The Spaniard followed the Australian Open with another finals appearance at the Mexican Open. His play is fantastic as of late and he is due for a title in 2017.

Federer has won two titles in Miami. One of those titles, in 2005, came over Nadal.

Now, Rafael Nadal has a chance to earn a much anticipated title at the Miami Open. Just two matches stand in his way. Look for him to continue his fantastic play at the tournament. In his previous win over American Jack Sock, Nadal won 6-2, 6-3. He has dropped just a single set so far in the tournament.

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