Nishikori Upsets Murray In 5 Set Thriller

This afternoon, Kei Nishikori upset Andy Murray in a thrilling five set match filled with service breaks, 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5.  Nishikori looked like he was going to get run off the court early, but a rain delay in the middle of the second set seemed to settle him down and he was able to win that set. Murray then took the third when he held after three consecutive service breaks. But Murray lost his focus when a PA problem prompted the umpire to rule a let when Murray had double break point against Nishikori at 1-1 in the third. He then proceeded to lose eight out of the next ten points and basically threw the set away. So it was onto the fifth set where Murray proceeded to get broken in the very first game. Nishikori gave the break back at 2-1 but broke Murray and then held serve to go up 4-2. Then serving at 4-3, Nishikori blew a 40-0 lead and let Murray get back the break to 4-4. But  Nishikori used the drop shot the bring Murray forward and then made an incredible stab volley to break at 5-5. He then served out the match.

The match was really determined by Nishikori’s play. He was incredibly aggressive and used his drop shot to great effect. But he also had nearly 60 unforced errors. When he was passive, Murray regained control. And when he was attacking it was whether he would win the point before he made an error. This tournament may also indicate the end of an era and a changing of the guard in men’s tennis. This is the first major since the 2004 French Open that neither Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, nor Andy Murray has made it to the semifinals.