Novak Djokovic stormed into the quarterfinals of the 2017 Mutua Madrid Open with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Feliciano Lopez on Thursday. It was a terrific performance by the 13-time Grand Slam champion who needed one hour and 33 minutes to oust the Spaniard. Going solo appears to be the right choice for Djokovic who announced last week that he had parted company with long-time coach Marian Vajda, fitness trainer Gebhard Phil Gritsch and physio Miljan Amanovic.
Next up for Djokovic is a quarterfinal clash with Kei Nishikori. The World No. 2 will fancy his chances of grabbing the victory this coming Friday as he has fared extremely well against the Japanese in the past. Djokovic is 11-2 in his career against Nishikori, with the Serbian star winning each of their last 10 meetings.
Make no mistake about it, though, Kei Nishikori will be a tough nut to crack for the Djoker. The sixth seed booked a spot in the quarters with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory over David Ferrer. There’s something about Caja Magica that brings the best out of Nishikori who denied Ferrer his 700th match win. Nishikori reached the final of this tournament back in 2014.
Now’s the perfect time for Nishikori to upset Djokovic who has looked a bit shaky this season. Djokovic has failed to reach the semis in each of the last five tournaments that he has entered. Djokovic suffered a shock quarterfinal exit at the Monte Carlo Masters last month, losing to David Goffin in three tough sets. Nishikori will hope to replicate Goffin’s feat later today.
Writer’s Prediction
Nishikori (+200) edges past Djokovic in three sets.
