Tsitsipas Prevails Over Nishikori in Three-set Battle in Miami
03.29.21
By Daniel Perissé
Stefanos Tsitsipas was tested to his limits in a three-set victory against Kei Nishikori in the Miami Open presented by Itaú Men’s Singles third round this Monday, March 29th.
The World No. 5 started aggressive and opened a 3-0 lead, breaking Nishikori’s serve once. He ended clinching it 6-3, with 13 winners and five unforced errors. However, Nishikori showed a great level of tennis and leveled the match in the second set, displaying some of the talent that took him to a career-high World No. 5 in 2015.
Tsitsipas took advantage of the fact that Nishikori lacked the same intensity in the third set to claim the victory in one hour and 56 minutes.
The Greek’s quarterfinal opponent will be Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, who defeated Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan, 7-6(6), 6-3 and reached the fourth round of a Masters 1000 tournament for the second time.
In the women’s draw, Naomi Osaka beat Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3 6-3, in one hour and 28 minutes to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals. The World No. 2 now faces Greece’s Maria Sakkari, who needed three sets to defeat Buffalo, NY, native Jessica Pegula 6-4, 0-6, 6-1.
Another player who moved into the quarters is Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo. The 24-year-old beat Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur in two hours, 6-4, 0-6, 6-1.
Sorribes Tormo will challenge Canada’s Bianca Andreescu for a semifinal spot. The World No. 9 defeated Spaniard Garbiñe Muguruza 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 in two hours and 11 minutes.
