Miami Open Round Up: Nadal, Nishikori advance as injured Raonic withdraws
Rafael Nadal and Kei Nishikori booked their spots in the last 16 as Milos Raonic’s Miami Open came to an end.
Nadal, a four-time runner-up at the ATP 1000 event, overcame a slow start to get past Philipp Kohlschreiber in his 1,000th match.
Nishikori came through a fierce battle against Fernando Verdasco to reach the fourth round on Sunday.
Meanwhile, in-form American Jack Sock also progressed.
NADAL BATTLES THROUGH
The Spaniard recovered from a poor start to make it 14 wins in 15 matches against Kohlschreiber, claiming a 0-6 6-2 6-3 victory.
Nadal won just six points against the German’s serve in the first set, suffering a bagel for only the 14th time in his illustrious career.
But he celebrated his 1,000th tour match with a win, setting up a meeting with Nicolas Mahut – who was too good for Guido Pella.
822
+ 178
______
1,000Congratulations, @RafaelNadal! pic.twitter.com/w8EEBRo3vU
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2017
NISHIKORI PUSHED
The second seed needed almost three hours to get past Verdasco 7-6 (7-2) 6-7 (5-7) 6-1.
Nishikori, last year’s runner-up, squandered a match point in the second set, but he dominated the third, breaking twice to advance.
After an extra set, it’s @keinishikori who gets the victory over @FerVerdasco! He heads into the Round of 16. pic.twitter.com/ze6XfWNqUM
— Miami Open (@MiamiOpen) March 26, 2017
Awaiting him in the last 16 is Federico Delbonis, who overcame Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (7-5) 6-1.
INJURY WOE FOR RAONIC
Raonic, the third seed, withdrew from the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
The Canadian expects to be sidelined for at least a fortnight, as he handed American qualifier Jared Donaldson a walkover.
Donaldson will face Sock, who continued his good form with a 6-3 7-6 (7-0) win over Jiri Vesely.
Meanwhile, Fabio Fognini reached the fourth round by beating Jeremy Chardy 3-6 6-4 6-4 and the Italian will meet Donald Young, who edged Benoit Paire 7-6 (7-2) 6-4.