Djokovic v Isner, Nadal v Sock Friday In Beijing; Nishikori Faces Cilic In Tokyo

by Staff | October 8th, 2015, 7:29 pm
  • 39 Comments

A bunch of bigtime matches are on the slate Friday in Asia. Earlier today in Beijing, Novak Djokovic and John Isner both won matches to advance to a quarterfinal collision.

Djokovic upped his record to 26-0 in Beijing after a 6-2, 6-1 win over Ze Zhang.

“The conditions are definitely suitable to my game,” said Djokovic. “I feel very pleasant playing on the center court. I guess as I keep coming back each year with that positive record, obviously gives me more confidence knowing that I played so well in the past on this court. I just keep on going. That’s all. There is no particular reason. There are a few things that play in my favour.”


Djokovic will face American Isner who toughed out John Millman in three sets. Isner has beaten Djokovic twice on hardcourts but the Serb has won the last four to lead 7-2 overall.

Also tomorrow, Fabio Fognini set a date with Pablo Cuevas. Fognini needed three to beat David Goffin while Cuevas ousted ace king Ivo Karlovic.

And Rafael Nadal will meet Jack Sock in an intriguing match and David Ferrer faces Yen Sun Lu.

“He’s young, very good player, aggressive, with fantastic serve,” Nadal said of Sock on Wednesday. “Very, very strong forehand. Going to be a big opponent for quarterfinals. I need to play better than today even. So tomorrow is day off for me. Good day for keep practicing things, try to improve the things that I need to keep improving. Hope to continue with that improvement since yesterday, today, tomorrow, after tomorrow. I really hope to be ready for the match.”

The women’s quarters feature Ana Ivanovic v Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Angelique Kerber against Agnieszka Radwanska.

In Tokyo, Marin Cilic set up a US Open final rematch against Kei Nishikori. Cilic beat Steve Johnson to win his 28th straight match against American opposition. Top seed Stan Wawrinka duels Austin Krajicek and Nick Kyrgios clashes with Benoit Paire it was should be quite an entertaining match.

FRIDAY BEIJING SCHEDULE
NATIONAL TENNIS STADIUM start 12:30 pm
ATP – J. Sock (USA) vs [3] R. Nadal (ESP)

Not Before 2:30 pm
WTA – [4] A. Radwanska (POL) vs [10] A. Kerber (GER)
WTA – [6] A. Ivanovic (SRB) or S. Kuznetsova (RUS) vs A. Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)

Not Before 7:30 pm
ATP – [1] N. Djokovic (SRB) vs [6] J. Isner (USA)
WTA – [3] C. Dellacqua (AUS) / Y. Shvedova (KAZ) vs [6] H. Chan (TPE) / Y. Chan (TPE)

LOTUS COURT start 12:30 pm
WTA – [12] T. Bacsinszky (SUI) vs S. Errani (ITA)

Not Before 2:30 pm
ATP – F. Fognini (ITA) vs P. Cuevas (URU)
ATP – [4] D. Ferrer (ESP) vs [WC] Y. Lu (TPE)

Not Before 6:30 pm
WTA – [Q] B. Mattek-Sands (USA) vs [5] G. Muguruza (ESP)


You Might Like:
ATP London Race (29 Sept 14): Murray Moves Up, Nishikori Strengthens London Bid
Cilic, Nishikori Win Tokyo Openers; Murray, Nadal In Action Tuesday In Beijing
Japanese Hero Kei Nishikori Stars In Tokyo Title Defense; Stan Wawrinka The Top Seed
Nadal Cruises Into Beijing QFs, Will Face Isner Friday; Rublev To Meet Zverev
Serena Williams Pulls Out Of Tokyo, Beijing Remains On Her Schedule

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39 Comments for Djokovic v Isner, Nadal v Sock Friday In Beijing; Nishikori Faces Cilic In Tokyo

jane Says:

kei and marin becoming their own little rivalry. this’ll be their 10th meeting. 6-3 for kei. but he lost the biggie.

October 8th, 2015 at 8:29 pm


Okiegal Says:

Seeing Novak and his wife with the little dogs…..I think there is something wrong with me……I hate dogs and cats…….

October 8th, 2015 at 10:38 pm


django Says:

Dogs are ok

October 8th, 2015 at 11:11 pm


Okiegal Says:

@django…..That’s a matter of opinion! You have your ankle almost chewed off by the neighborhood bully dog….you’d change your mind….I’m deathly afraid of dogs, especially the big variety…..The dog that bit me was named Stormy, he ran me up a tree and I stayed there for an hour until his owners got home…….it’s funny now…….Dogs may be OK, but not for OKIE!! Lol

October 8th, 2015 at 11:22 pm


Wog Boy Says:

The only reason I am contemplating moving in rural part of Sydney, hopefully in the year or two, is bigger block of land so I am be able to have few more animals, the older I get the more I like animals company, they don’t ask for much but they give you back much more.

October 8th, 2015 at 11:24 pm


jane Says:

i love animals too; they’re so sweet, loyal and comforting.

October 8th, 2015 at 11:58 pm


Wog Boy Says:

jane,
As usual, you said it all in the few words.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:02 am


Okiegal Says:

@Jane I like animals…..horses are my favorites.

October 9th, 2015 at 3:14 am


jane Says:

hi okie; hope everything is going okay. i love horses too!

October 9th, 2015 at 3:19 am


J-Kath Says:

Regrettably am allergic to cats – no matter love dogs to a fault.

Okie – good to see you here – hope U and yours are on the up…….

October 9th, 2015 at 3:35 am


Okiegal Says:

@Jane….I’ve been at his bedside all night. He needs to be in the hospital to drain fluid off, he isn’t breathing well at all. Asked if he wanted me to call the ambulance and he said no.

@J-Kath……We’re struggling atm, home health care nurse is to be here in 3 hrs to do do a blod draw, I’m sure she’ll insist he go to the hospital.

I watched Rafa in the wee hrs of the morning, he just isn’t playing good at all…..but Jack was knocking the “Socks” off of the ball at a pretty good pace…..so he had something to do with Rafa’s mediocre play…..but he got the win anyway, VAMOS!

October 9th, 2015 at 6:39 am


J-Kath Says:

Very difficult Okie – arms around you…

October 9th, 2015 at 6:56 am


Okiegal Says:

Thanks Kath, appreciate it!

@Jane…..the little dogs are adorable, BTW!

October 9th, 2015 at 7:03 am


Wog Boy Says:

Masterful performance by Nole, Isner tried everything, but the balls kept coming back with interest.

October 9th, 2015 at 8:36 am


Daniel Says:

Another chapter of Nadal x Fognini this year, round 5 (so far 3-1 to Fog). Hope is another ebtertaining match. But even so, Djoko only lost of a handfull of ganes this tourney, so it seema he will keep his flawless record in Beijing alive for abother title.

October 9th, 2015 at 10:14 am


jane Says:

didn’t get to see it wog boy but the scoreline is great!

sorry to hear it okie; hang in there.

October 9th, 2015 at 10:17 am


Noonen Says:

I’m so happy for Nole. He is a nice boy (although not a Christian as evidenced by his fornication). The fact U.S. fans don’t like him is because America has become incredibly wordly and mean-spirited.

October 9th, 2015 at 10:41 am


Felipe Says:

Nadal fans….facing reality, what do you prefer, another loss to Fognini or a chance to be trashed by Djokvic, which means, another loss in a final and closing the head to head (which for you is the most important stat in the world)?

October 9th, 2015 at 10:56 am


Ben Pronin Says:

I think the most surprising thing with Nadal and Fognini at this point is that they’ve played so many times in 1 year. Fifth meeting between two players who are in pretty separate tiers for the most part. I mean Djokovic and Murray have played 5 times this year, too, but you kinda expect that from them. And with Fog and Nadal it’s like SF, 3rd round, final, 3rd round, SF.

October 9th, 2015 at 11:00 am


Gypsy Gal Says:

I dont know whats more annoying?posters assuming they know the future,or posters thinking that they know what other posters are thinking??….

October 9th, 2015 at 11:29 am


Gypsy Gal Says:

^Or posters trying to put words into other posters mouths?^….

October 9th, 2015 at 11:30 am


jalep Says:

Good point, Ben Pronin @ 11:00 am. When looking at their new h2h can’t get around the thought that it wasn’t by accident. I think after Barcelona, Fognini v Nadal was destined to be a hot ticket in 2015. If the show was near me, I’d be wanting my ticket.

Was online doing cycling quizzes and found this tennis game as a reference to ATP competition the past 15 years…it’s a game, but it asks to name those winning # of matches in GS’s — 10 or more GS matches per year. Sporcle is a place you can create your own games and submit them.

Can’t believe I got some of the names I did and forgot some pretty obvious more recent ones.
http://www.sporcle.com/games/dabbas/10gsmatches

Remembering how to spell a name right is much of the battle to beat the clock.

October 9th, 2015 at 11:47 am


jalep Says:

Good point, Ben Pronin @ 11:00 am. When looking at their new h2h can’t get around the thought that it wasn’t by accident. I think after Barcelona, Fognini v Nadal was destined to be a hot ticket in 2015. If the show was near me, I’d be wanting my ticket.

Was online doing cycling quizzes and found this tennis game as a reference to ATP competition the past 15 years…it’s a game, but it asks to name those winning # of matches in GS’s — 10 or more GS matches per year. Sporcle is a place you can create your own games and submit them.

Can’t believe I got some of the names I did and forgot some pretty obvious more recent ones.
http://www.sporcle.com/games/dabbas/10gsmatches

Remembering how to spell a name right is much of the battle to beat the clock.

October 9th, 2015 at 11:47 am


jalep Says:

not again…worked last night —sorry for the double post…ack!

October 9th, 2015 at 11:48 am


Ben Pronin Says:

Man I haven’t been on sporcle in ages but I used to take all of their Slam champs quiz. I know way too much about this sport.

I feel like no matter how well you fix a draw, there’s just no guaranteeing Fognini is gonna show up where you want him to.

October 9th, 2015 at 11:52 am


jalep Says:

lol, Ben. Have killed way too much time on Sporcle cycling games. Some one posted one on cycling news as they usually do this time of year but this is the first time I’d thought to look for tennis games!

Sporcle needs some tennis updating updating for 2015.

No, no way of knowing if Fognini shows up. For sure, he’ll act like he doesn’t give a shoot. 3 sets, I hope. Haven’t watched any matches from last night but will later after I sleep some.

Paire v Nishikori coming up later! Nishikori has had a tough draw in Tokyo. Can’t wait to see the Kei v Marin match because I thought it would go the distance. Cilic showing shades of 2014 ball striking in Tokyo in earlier rounds.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:02 pm


jalep Says:

Okiegal – prayers and best wishes.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:05 pm


Ben Pronin Says:

Jalep, I got 164/178 but really I got 136 because I cheated for a few of them. I was able to get all of 2001 on my own, though, so that was pretty cool.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:05 pm


Okiegal Says:

Thanks Jalep! Appreciate all the prayers he can get!

October 9th, 2015 at 12:12 pm


jalep Says:

It’s fun. (and addictive). Got 91% on that one.

Here’s one I only missed 2!
http://www.sporcle.com/games/BladeSword122/tennis-players-with-one-handed-backhands-in-atp-top-100

October 9th, 2015 at 12:15 pm


jalep Says:

This one is new — it wasn’t there yesterday, or I didn’t see it.
Top 50 atp, Oct.. 2015. I will crush it :D

http://www.sporcle.com/games/brokenbench/tennis_mens_top_50

October 9th, 2015 at 12:19 pm


Ben Pronin Says:

9/23 and I gave up. That’s just ridiculous.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:19 pm


jalep Says:

Very sincerely Okiegal. I am a home health RN myself — very familiar with what you are describing. I’m sure you are taking good care of Okieguy. Get some sleep when you can, okay? hugs.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:22 pm


jalep Says:

haha..9/23 on which one, Ben?

find you an easy one :D

Okiegal try these tennis quiz links when your mind needs a diversion ;)

October 9th, 2015 at 12:24 pm


jalep Says:

Here’s an easy one – you can get 100%:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/JasonAndKatie/tenniscountries

Glad Novak won 62 62 over Isner.

Paire v Kyrigos…can’t wait to watch that one too , later….gotta sleep.

October 9th, 2015 at 12:30 pm


jalep Says:

On the ATP top 50, Oct 2015, I missed 4

didn’t spell lopez right, must use Garcia-Lopez. Forgot about Monaco, kept trying to make a spelling of “schwartzman” work, wasted time, couldn’t remember Kukushkin and Vesely…tried hard to put “Rosol” in – gave up in 11 minutes. 46/50

October 9th, 2015 at 12:53 pm


chris ford1 Says:

Seems that while Isner has given Djokovic troubles in the past, Nole is in the process of “solving him”, much as he has worked hard on “solving” how to overcome bigger rivals.
Then there is Stan. That will be a tougher nut to crack for Djokovic.
Onto Fog the Nadal killer vs. Rafa, and Ferru-Djokovic. Should be great semis and a chance for yet another Rafa-Nole final!

Okiegal, my best and take care of your health as well as looking after your husbands health needs. Church, friends, family are no doubt hoping you will ask them to assist in some way. There is that to consider.

October 9th, 2015 at 1:11 pm


Gypsy Gal Says:

I think the Nole/Ferrer match will be rather one sided,the Rafa/Fognini match could go either way,depends on who gets out of bed on the right side,no expectations with Rafa anymore because of the way hes played this year….

Okie Janis like Jalep im also in that line of work sort of,so i know what your going through,make sure you look after yourself too,im sure your family are all a great support,all the best to you my dear friend,THINKING OF YOU XX….

October 9th, 2015 at 1:50 pm


jalep Says:

Sharpen your memory and spelling with a sporcle tennis game, Gypsy! The top ATP 50 one is pretty easy but spelling some of the names right can be tricky.

There is a mistake: they have Klizan’s country down as Serbia not Slovakia.

this one’s a good for starters. Hints = ‘O’ is for Orantes and ‘C’ is for Court…had never seen them in pictures. Something to relax the mind:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/citkeane/alphanet

Just watched most of Rafa v Sock, Gypsy. Sock gave him a hard time. Thinking Fabio’s turn to lose. Nole v Ferrer could be one-sided.

So happy Radwanska and Ivanovic are into semi-finals.

Kei has to meet his US Open nemesis, Benoit Paire, who is on a hot streak. Then, if lucky, will battle Stan, most likely.

(should be sleeping)

October 9th, 2015 at 2:07 pm

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