TENNIS ATP FINALS 2014 – Kei Nishikori defeated David Ferrer, who replaced the injured Milos Raonic 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. With this result Federer is qualified for the semifinals. The Japanese will have to hope that the Swiss wins this evening against Murray to qualify. From London, Paul Sassoon
To have a third set match at this tear’s ATP Finals Raonic had to retire to leave his space to David Ferrer. The Spanish player was in London as the first alternate and his presence was rewarded with a match and a $85,000. Other players, Dimitrov, Tsonga and Gulbis, declined the role as alternate, but the Spaniard was keen to be here, “I cannot talk about the other players. I was one out for play here. It was a good idea, no, because I can play one match in London. It was good. Anyway, it was perfect if I win the match, but it’s not easy. Here are the best players of the world.”
The injury to Milos Raonic highlighted how this format does not fit tennis. No matter what happens tonight and who will qualify for the semifinals, the result will be tainted by the fact that Nishikori was the only player to face Ferrer and not to play against Raonic.
Nishikori said after the match that he was surprised by Raonic’s retirement, but he was ready for the challenge, “I was surprised little bit because I didn’t know he was injured, Milos. I wasn’t expecting, you know, David is coming. But we played a lot of times. We know each other, how we play. Even they change one hour before, I was ready to play anybody. You know, both tough players. I mean, I didn’t want to play both players, but luckily I won today. So very happy to win today.”
The first set was a close affair. Ferrer was running and hunting down every ball as usual whilst Nishikori was trying to end the rallies by suddenly switching to down-the-line strokes and occasionally coming to the net. Ferrer saved the first break point in the match in the fifth game of the first set, in the following game it was Nishikori’s turn to cancel break points on his serve. The first break came at 3 all, but the Japanese player failed to consolidate the lead losing the next three games (from 4-3 to 4-6) losing his serve twice in the process. Ferrer won the first set 6-4.
The second set opened with a break for the Nishikori. This time he held on to his advantage through better serving and never gave Ferrer a chance to get back into the match. After 1 hour and 23 minutes of play the Japanese player equalled the set score with a down-the-line backhand winner. 6-4 and the first third set of the tournament was on the cards.
The first third set of the tournament though was quick and one-sided as the sets that have characterized the tournament so far. Nishikori made the break in the opening game and never looked back. Another two breaks arrived in the third and seventh games allowing him to end the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 in 1 hour and 56 minutes of play.
This season the Japanese player has a fantastic deciding set record (3rd or 5th set), but he does not seem to know why he is performing so well in the final set of matches, “I don’t know. I don’t know why I always win third set. It’s been long time, so it’s not like my physical. I think it’s more mental thing. I try to stay there all the time. Try to stay focus first couple games. Obviously today I was up 3 0 in the first couple games. I was more relax, you know, till the end. I mean, also physical, you know. You have to be really fit to play three sets. But for me, I think it’s more mental. Stay there all the time and, you know, be very positive and strong.”
As for tonight’s match, Kei said he won’t be watching, “I just going to wait for result ’cause I want to eat good dinner today. It’s going to be same time. I think I will just see the result.”
After the match Ferrer spoke about the situation with his coach, “this year after US Open I stop with Jose Altur. My personal relation with him, it was perfect, but professional I think we have different things about tennis. Just for that, I change, no? Paco Fogues is my new coach. I have a lot of confidence with him. He’s a good friend. I practice a lot of years with him. The last year when I finish the 21 of December with Javier Piles, my first option was Paco Fogues, but Paco Fogues was practicing with Dani Gimeno. I have no chance to practice with him. Now I am happy because I think is the best coach I can have.”
Group B scenarios
– As Nishikori defeated Ferrer then Federer is first if he defeats Murray regardless of score
– As Nishikori defeated Ferrer in 3 sets, Murray wins the group if he beats Federer in 2 sets and Federer qualifies as second
– As Nishikori defeated Ferrer in 3 sets, Federer will win the group even if he loses to Murray in 3 sets. Nishikori would qualify as second
