Zverev Dominates Kyrgios, Big Men Roll In Miami; QFs Up Wed With Del Potro, Chung

by Staff | March 28th, 2018, 1:35 am
  • 63 Comments

The theme of the day in the men’s fourth round at Miami was big men. And the big men showed up with John Isner, Kevin Anderson, Alexander Zverev, Juan Martin del Potro and Milos Raonic all winners and all securing quarterfinal berths.

Former semifinalist John Isner blanked Marin Cilic in an opening breaker then got a late break for a 7-6(0), 6-3 victory, one of his best in the last year.

Tomorrow, Isner will meet the surging Hyeon Chung who won his third consecutive straight sets win beating Joao Sousa 6-4, 6-3. Isner has won 2 of 3 against the Korean but Chung beat him earlier this year in Auckland.


“It’s going to be tough,” Isner said. “He’s found the magic potion this year for sure. He’s playing incredibly well. It’s going to be a very tough match.”

Speaking of surging, del Potro increased his win streak to 14 after overcoming an early break to run away from Filip Krajanovic 6-4, 6-2. Del Potro won 11 of the last 13 games.

Up next will be a rematch from Indian Wells as Milos Raonic awaits. Under trial coach Goran Ivanisevic, the Canadian has been strong having not dropped serve in three matches after a good win today over Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4.

Raonic has never made it past the Miami quarterfinals. Del Potro was a semifinalist in Miami back in 2009.

“He’s showing good signs for his body, his game and he’s improving every day,” del Potro said of Raonic. “I also think he has a big potential to reach the final here, so it’s going to be a difficult challenge to me.”

Added Raonic of the matchup: “It’ll be a difficult match. Wasn’t that close of a match by any stretch of the imagination last week. I’m going to have to do a lot of things better,” he said. “He’s been the best player in the world for the past four, five weeks winning Acapulco, winning last week as well. [He’s] playing well so far this week, so it’s going to be a difficult match. I’m going to have to do my things well if I want to give myself a chance.”

Frances Tiafoe finished off Tomas Berdych in a final set breaker, but Anderson took care of the American 7-6(3), 6-4.

On Thursday, Anderson will try to finally make a Masters semifinal against Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta who knocked out his ailing countryman Fernando Verdasco 6-0, 6-3.

In the match of the day, Borna Coric edged Denis Shapovalov 7-6(2), 4-6, 6-4 to continue his recent run. Coric now gets another youngster in Alexander Zverev who had no trouble with Nick Kyrgios in a 6-4, 6-4 win under the lights.

Zverev raced out to a 4-1 lead before Kyrgios made things a little interesting. The Australian shrugged off a back injury and found some form late in the first, but Zverev was far too consistent in the second.

“It’s always entertaining playing him. I think the crowd enjoys it. The media hypes it up a little bit. We both enjoy this kind of stage. I think the crowd was loving it today,” Zverev said. “Obviously I’m very happy with how I played, and hopefully I can continue doing so in the next few rounds.”

Coric has taken both meetings from Zverev including an incredible win at the US Open last year. And the Croat just made the Indian Wells semifinals.

“He’s improved a lot, making the semifinals of Indian Wells, making the quarterfinals here already,” Zverev said of Coric. “I think he’s playing great ball. Hopefully it will be another entertaining one, and we’ll see how it goes.”

WEDNESDAY MIAMI SCHEDULE
STADIUM start 10:45 am
WTA – A. Barty (AUS) / C. Vandeweghe (USA) vs N. Kichenok (UKR) / An. Rodionova (AUS)
1:00 pm
WTA – [6] J. Ostapenko (LAT) vs [4] E. Svitolina (UKR)
Not Before 3:00 pm
ATP – [19] H. Chung (KOR) vs [14] J. Isner (USA)

7:00 pm
WTA – [8] V. Williams (USA) vs [Q] D. Collins (USA)
Not Before 9:00 pm
ATP – [5] J. Del Potro (ARG) vs [20] M. Raonic (CAN)


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63 Comments for Zverev Dominates Kyrgios, Big Men Roll In Miami; QFs Up Wed With Del Potro, Chung

Van Persie Says:

Did not see any match yesterday: I am very surprised, that A Zverev beat Kyrgios. Perhaps I am underestimating Sascha and overestimating the other one.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Kyrgios was never in this one. He played about 3 impressive games the whole match. I wouldn’t drop my opinion of him based on that. He’s just back from a little injury layoff, and Zverev was hot from the get go. Maybe he took Kyrgios’ head out of the game by breaking him immediately. Kyrgios certainly never looked happy to be on court.
But neither of these guys ever do. They both look so miserable playing tennis. I’m sure its not true of Zverev, but his game face makes Andy Murray look like Richard Simmons.
They also have two of the most awkward looking postures/ body types of any players. They look like a high school match.

Zverev looks like he’s learned to become more offensive earlier in the point. Last night was a good display of controlled aggression.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Shapovalov meanwhile choked out the loss with 3 double faults. Which was karma, after the ATP site ran a headline for him “I have ice in my veins.” Now, I believe he yelled that in the thrill of his victory over Querrey, not in an interview, but ATP set him up for the karmic boomerang with that headline.


the_mind_reels Says:

@TV: a bummer for Shapovalov since the kid has loads of talent. He’s still figuring some things out, but credit to Coric, who’s putting together some nice results back-to-back from IW to Miami. He played Federer so tight in IW and arguably could have won that match; we’ll see how far he can go here.

Meanwhile, Raonic gets another shot at JMDP after playing a terrible match against him in the semis at IW. I would like to have my money back for that one :)


Daniel Says:

Agree TV,
They still look like those teens who grow to fast in a year. I am 6’1″ and remember at some point I grew up 3 inches in a year. Bad posture and body language untill you adapt.

Different from Coric, which has a decent height (same 6´1″) and looks like he could be an “online coach” in instagram;-)


Margot Says:

VP: Naughty Nick is so streaky he makes bacon look monochrome!
TV: Shapo’s serve was dreadful against Querry. It needs sorting out quickly, if that’s possible. He was winning so easily when his first serve was going in. His return of serve game is terrific, a fabulous mixture of offence and patience when he needs to be. He is so talented and exciting to watch.
Hmmm….I see the Coric appreciation society is growing by the minute….and not just for his tennis either….;)
Meanwhile, C’mon Chung!


Margot Says:

TV: a PS about Shapo. Dunno about “ice” but he does seem to have excellent match temperament, doesn’t linger on missed points, but is swiftly onto the next.


Daniel Says:

Indeed, Shapo has magnetism. My father became instant fan of him, with just a few times watching.


Markus Says:

Has anybody else mistaken Shapovalov for Martina Navratilova? When I tuned in yesterday, at quick glance I thought it was Martina. I told my wife and she said she mistook him for her also.


RZ Says:

@Margot – I can understand the appreciation for Coric. :-)

Shapo needs to learn how to focus. The skills are there and he is certainly fun to watch, but the brain doesn’t seem to stay in the game (or maybe he just doesn’t play with a game plan that he sticks to). It would be great if he could follow up his big wins with a deep run at a big tournament. I hope he doesn’t become another Monfils – puts on a great show and scores the occasoinal upset, but generally underperforms.


Humble Rafa Says:

If you are mistaken for Navratilova, it’s a complement since she was the only male to play in the WTA. The most masculine of all women.


Margot Says:

Shapo’s mum looks just like Navratilova, as I mentioned previously, so it’s hardly surprising his mum does.
RZ: Don’t think Shapo will turn out like Monfils. To a certain extent Monfils’ career has been derailed by his injuries, but Shapo aint no baseline grinder so I think he’ll be less prone to injuries.I think he’s much less of a show boater too, more serious?
VP: saw a replay of Sacha v Ferrer and he really played well.
I’m ignoring HR and suggest you all do too.


SG1 Says:

Feels like a Zverev-Del Po Final…if they’re on opposite sides of the draw. Zverev looked pretty terrible in his first couple of matches but it appears he’s now put things together at this event. Not really a fan of Zverev but the talent is undeniable. Think is backhand is a little iffy for a guy of his caliber.


chofer Says:

Markus, there’s some resemblance but it goes beyond appreances. I think, however that Martina (please, Humble Rafa, you can’t be that Neanderthal, can you? Lame joke) didn’t have a driving backhand that good and volleyed so much better. She can hit angles even when bad popositioned (much of it for Evert’s laser-like passings down the line)

I think El Shapo needs to hit the gym, like hard: he’s nowhere near as robust as Chung, or athletic as Coric or body compact as Zverev. Sometimes, when hi hits his backhand, I think he will brack his wrist of fall backwards. THAT is what Martina did, btw.

He’s like Agassi in his beginnings: too skinny. He could hit the ball hard from both sides, but couldn’t sustained it for three hours.

He’s the most entertaining prospect this side of Kyrgios. He’s ten times smarter, too. But that’s not much of a compliment, no?


chofer Says:

SG1

I hope so! Let’s see if Zverev gets past his nemesis Coric first. And how Delpo can cope with a much improved Raonic this week. And then, thyere’s Chung. My pick to win it all barring Delpo.


J Holody Says:

I think both Fritz and Shapovalov are out of this Tourney because of that horrible pink Nike outfit. They both looked lost in it. It’s a jinx. Seriously, awful design, Nike!


Tennis Vagabond Says:

SG1, Zverev hit some incredible BHs last night.

Shapovalov doesn’t look too skinny to me – keep in mind, he’s just 18. Zverev is too skinny.


Van Persie Says:

Want Chung to win tonight, but, come on, how can anyone not like Isner? :)..a giant with such a cute, childish face. Does not look like 32 years old


Van Persie Says:

Perhaps Isner wins Miami


Van Persie Says:

If I remember well, he told once in an interview, he eats 10 eggs for breakfast


Margot Says:

Ooh dear, Chung is playing really badly. Isner takes the first set 6-1. Not sure I want to watch this massacre. :(


Van Persie Says:

Chung plays better in the 2nd, but do not see him breaking Isner today and no Chance in TB


Tennis Vagabond Says:

The received wisdom is always that the server has an advantage in the tiebreak. Everyone says this. It makes no sense! Its harder to break someone’s serve over a whole game than steal 1 point on their serve in a tiebreak! Is the assumption that big servers are too dumb and unfocused to hold their concentration for a whole set, but should be able to do so for a tiebreak?


Van Persie Says:

Tbh, Isner plays very good today, very agressive


Van Persie Says:

TV, I think the stats are favouring big servers in TBs


Van Persie Says:

Let’s see if Isner pulls a Fed now


Van Persie Says:

No, he did’nt


Daniel Says:

TV,

I got your point, 1 minibreak can determine the breaker.

But as the serve alwyas has the advantage, a player with a big serve, on average (specially if you consider his particular serving stats points won) will have a better chance in a tiebreaker than a player with no serve or average one.
There are other intangibles: momentum shifts, mental fortitude, fitness, etc..

But stats wise as VP say if you look at all big serves tiebreak numbers you will see they have positve ones. Will try to find out some tiebreak stats and paste link.


Daniel Says:

With this win I think Isner will be back in top 10 next week.


Wog Boy Says:

I don’t see the hype about Chung justified, that man has quite e few faults in his game that are not quite fixable.


j-kath Says:

Sorri Margot – a blow to your Choice –


Daniel Says:

Player / Tibereak record / Tiebreak won percentage / First serve points won / first serves in

– Federer: 423-226 / 65,2% / 77% / 62%
– Isner: 359-223 / 61,7% / 79% / 69%
– Karlovic: 369-362 / 50,5% / 83% / 66%
– Raonic: 179-113 / 61,3% / 81% / 63%
– DelPo: 141-102 / 56% / 74% / 64%
– Cilic: 167-144 / 53,7% / 77% / 56%
– Anderson: 165-140 / 54,1% / 77% / 56%

A few so so serves looking in top 50:
– Nadal: 217-140 (more on mental toughness)
– Goffin: 60-65
– Fognini: 108-89
– Schwatrzman: 20-32
– Mannarino: 56-81
– Kei: 100-74
– Chung: 17-24
– Ferrer: 165-153


chofer Says:

Chung as listless and bad as Wang Chung:-

Sorry, Isner played well but he’s not winning Miami. It was of those days. The Korean could’n serve for his life. UFEs galore. Bad timing (many framed shots) Slow reactions. Footwork not working. Ooof.

I’ve noticed he serves with both his feet parallel to the ground. Who’s his coach? He must correct this inmediatly. He can’t get the jump necessary to put the weigh of his body on the ball. He just swings his arm completely leaving the body in the process.

Someone here correctly called his serve mediocre. I can see why now.
The mystery is that he wasn’t broken the whole tournament!

Onto Raonic-Delpo. That was dissapointing for a QF.


chofer Says:

Daniel

Great stats. But Rafa, Kei and Schwartzmann are in a group of best returners, too. Chung should be there. Not today.


Markus Says:

When I watch Chung, what sticks out the most is his serve, mediocre for someone hyped to be the great Asian hope. And, until today, why can’t his opponents not break him more often?

Not a big fan of Isner but happy to see him win and do well in this tournament. That’s his just reward for taking advantage of the Chung serve.


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Daniel and VP, I am looking at the ATP top tiebreak stats, and there does not seem to be any trend favouring great servers.

Help me out here:

https://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats/leaderboard?boardType=pressure&timeFrame=52Week&surface=all&versusRank=all&formerNo1=false

For goodness sake, Andy Murray is #4. Chung is top 10!


Tennis Vagabond Says:

Yeah, I’m going to stick with my contention on this one. Many of the best servers (Cilic, Raonic, Anderson) are ranked lower in tiebreaks than their full ranking.

Its a myth.


chofer Says:

If tennis was measure for the Big Servers, then Isner, Raonic, etc would have won many Slams by now.

I think the Big Four (and Wawrinka) have shown us that they are as great returning and defending as well as attacking. Well, in the case of Stan he’s not particularly thrilling on returns. That’s why he’s never got anywhere close in Wimbledon. But you have to be decently balanced at both. The transition game (from offense to defense and vice-versa) it’s what I think is lacking from the Next-Gen. Coric is learning how to attack more. And it is showing. So should Chung. Kyrgios and defense are oxymorons. Shapo needs to hone his returns, too. He’s vulnerable on the backhand side. Zverev seems the more “complete” at both, but he’s not a great defender as his forbearers. Isner and Raonic cannot win without their serves on full throttle and don’t defend particularly well, although Milos has more resources for that than Isner.

By the way, I thought the courts in Miami were moderately slow. Isn’t that supposed to favour the likes of Chung over Isner? I mean, this side of the draw plays more like one I would have expected more at Wimbledon, not Miami.


j-kath Says:

TV: I couldn’t access your link. But being an Andy fan I’ve always held my breath when it came to a tiebreak, especially when a bigger server is involved. However, I recall always reminding myself that Andy of all the top players seemed able to successfully defend more often than not….including Karlovic with all his height, Raonic,Isner, etc. Maybe Daniel with his keen searches on stats. – if interested – might do a list on this element of tennis…???


Markus Says:

The biggest servers are not the best movers. Mover vs server.


Markus Says:

Good movers are also better returners. They have more going for them than big servers. Once a serve is returtned the big server is already in trouble.


Humble Rafa Says:

He’s found the magic potion this year for sure

Shh. These thing must not come out any player’s mouth except in locker rooms and online forum. Never to media.


skeezer Says:

Markus good points….
A complete game matters lets not forget. A big server s h o u l d have the advantage in a TB, but nowadays there the returners have come of age. Novak, Murray, Fed, all have a good to great return game. When is the last time you saw Isner, Roanic, etc hit a winner return or hit a good enough return to start the offense off a good server?
In regards to Andy, am not surprised of his TB record cause he is also a good returner, and if his first serve is clicking he is good to go…

Haven’t seen return games won in a TB stat, maybe there is one or something like it?


Daniel Says:

Raonic way more competitive today than IW, his inside out FH (money shot) is working. Even match so far.


Markus Says:

Interesting match. Very even until del Potro developed a sore back and Raonic, in reply, decided to play very poor return games.


Daniel Says:

DelPo refusing to lose, huge advantage in tiebreak.

HE gets a day rest before semis Friday night against Isner than final Sunday with another day rest, perfect format for him if he gets through tonight.


Markus Says:

Goran looks frustrated and irritated. Any coach would be the way Milos just let the second set slip away. It should be an easy third set for del Potro. I hope.


chofer Says:

I’m dead


chofer Says:

The real winner is Isner, who must be laughing now.


Margot Says:

Chung beat Isner in Auckland, so he does know how to do it, but he was dreadful yesterday in all aspects of his game and I have seen his serve working much better too, but agree it needs fixing.


Van Persie Says:

TV,

Good point, but you have taken the stats for the last 52 weeks. I think the stats during career are more valid.

http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/stats/leaderboard?boardType=pressure&timeFrame=Career&surface=all&versusRank=all&formerNo1=false


AndyMira Says:

Markus…I think Milos let the crowd got to him in the 2nd sets when he was about to serve on TB..Lost his focus and maybe nerves playing a part too..He shouldn’t of coz considering he has all the tools to win…freshness on his legs,that deadly serve,DelPo who’s clearly got an issues & seems to walk on ‘one leg’…no wonder Goran looks frustrated & irritated as u said…It’s a shame he couldn’t capitulated on that…


Van Persie Says:

Did not watch DelPo vs Raonic…did not expect such a tough one. Hope DelPo has some energy left…

Regarding Chung, I like him a lot, especially because he imitates Djokovic so well, but agree with WB, the kid lacks some weapons. I consider A Zverev, Kyrgios or even Coric players with more potential.


Margot Says:

VP: I don’t quite get those stats. I can see how Sampras’ serve would get him out of trouble on break points, but Kei’s? And as a close observer of Andy, I am ASTONISHED he is No 4! Does it mean all those times I was behind the sofa he was pulling off miracles? :0


Margot Says:

AM are you “sosad?” Whyfor if yes :(


Van Persie Says:

Margot,

Andy is No 5, after Federer (4). Shows only what great returners are : Nole, Andy and Rafa (who has not such a great serve). Roger is a great server.

But Isner is 32!! which is not bad at all, for a guy , who has not many other weapons.


Margot Says:

Cheers VP, not quite so astonished now. Andy is a fab returner along with the other four above him, but Roddick?


Van Persie Says:

Kei has a very good procentage in “deciding sets won”, not in TB. Also Djokovic is liftet by the procentage at the same department as Kei. Federer has a better procentage at TB, which is normal, as he is a better server.

Roddick, a miracle…do not know :) lol


Van Persie Says:

^^ correction: percatage, not procentage…..


Van Persie Says:

Percentage….will petetr stop posting…


AndyMira Says:

M…Hahahahaha…If we’re chatting eye to eye atm,i already confess to u…but,alas!…i’ll let u figure it out on your own okay?Hehehe…

Btw…i see u’re rockin’! on WTA Bracket this week WW!…Don’t forget to keep rockin’ next week k?


j-kath Says:

Van Persie: “If at first you don’t suceed, try, try again”. You did it girl, Percentage!!!!

Anyway I managed to read your attachment,many thanks.

PS: Re Andy, is planning to play on grass in Holland the week before Queen’s. Margot will needs to vacuum her sofa/clean the shed.


Van Persie Says:

Thank you JK,

Yeah, Very proud of myself :)
Have a lovely day

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