2015 Australian Open Quarterfinals: Wawrinka vs. Nishikori

[rafanoy1992]

Wawrinka leads the H2H record 2-1 but Nishikori won their last match-up at the 2014 US Open Quarterfinal in five long sets.

I pick Nishikori in four sets. I just think he is playing a little bit higher level than Wawrinka right now. Also, it looks like Wawrinka's elbow is bothering a little bit so he can't go big on his serve right now.

 

[nehmeth]

I really have no leading as to how this will go. Nishikori in five??

 

[brokenshoelace]

Pure toss up. I think Nishikori, in theory, has elements to his game that might trouble Stan. Notably, taking the ball early and thus, taking time away from Stan who likes to stand back and take big cuts at the ball. Kei also moves and defends extremely well. Conversely, Stan has more raw power and a bigger serve, and Kei, at least prior to last year, has been prone to getting overpowered.

I don't know how this goes. I'll go with Stan in 5.

 

[Murat Baslamisli]

This one blows because I like both players. Maybe Kei in 4?

 

[britbox]

This is the hardest one to pick. I'm going with Kei in 4 but it's more of a crapshoot vote. I'm looking forward to the match.

 

[DarthFed]

Just going by the scorelines it looks like Kei is blasting through the last few rounds really easily (haven't seen either guy play so far). Taking out Ferrer 3, 3, and 3 on a slow/medium HC is very impressive. Matchup wise...it's tough to call, both are streaky within matches and both can play lights out at anytime. I'll go with Kei in 4. If it goes 5 this time I think Stan wins.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

I think this match has the potential to go 5 sets.I am not a fan of Wawrinka,he was lucky in ways to get past Garcia Lopez in his last match,he has been up and down in matches..Kei has a niggling quad problem,though it hasnt afftected him so far.

Kei to win in 5 sets.

 

[isabelle]

I'm going with jumping Kei in 4

 

[Kirijax]

The Japanese media is expecting nothing less than the first ever Grand Slam title by a Japanese ever. A loss would send Japan into a worse depression than it is now. Nishikori in four sets.

 

[DarthFed]

^ He's not beating Novak this time and I doubt Stan would either though I'd give him some chance.

 

[mrzz]

Nishikori in 4. He's trending.

 

[Riotbeard]

I am with everyone. It's a real tossup, but my gut says Kei wins a battle.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Kei in 4, or 5

Anyway, the Top Japenese will dismiss the last Swede, soon to be a former champion.

 

[Mile]

Samurai in 4 or 5, voted 5.

 

[tented]

As I type this, not one person has voted for Stan, the defending champion.

 

[Riotbeard]

^^
I did kinda feel it was toss up and went Kei based on gut. I think on paper, it's a true 50/50!

 

[herios]

As I type this, not one person has voted for Stan, the defending champion.

I fixed that

 

[Kieran]

This isn't a match that would entice me to getting out of bed to watch, but I'll rubberstamp Herios post and back Stan...

 

[sid]

As said it's a true 50/50 going with Kei & could be wrong.If Stans backhand is hot Kei won't have it easy.But the heat is on Stan this time,ranking wise,this is why i feel Kei takes it in 4 or 5 sets.

 

[herios]

This match outcome could have a big impact on the top 10 ranking wise.
If Stan loses, he will drop all the way to 10 from 4 and in that case Kei is making a very big step forward to get into the top 4.
Note that both Andy and Tomas have to win one more round to pass Kei.
So if Kei gets into the SF, Andy or Tomas will need to win the whole event to get into the top 4.
If Stan wins the match, all he will secure is a # 8 ranking.
So the pressure is on Stan, I am curious how he will respond. I cannot wait.