US Open Tennis preview and odds: Andy Murray vs Kei Nishikori

US Open Tennis preview and odds: Andy Murray vs Kei Nishikori

September 07, 2016 - USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York

US Open - Quarter-finals

Olympic and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray will continue his quest for a third Grand Slam title when he faces 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori at the quarter-finals stage of the same event in New York on Wednesday.

Murray hitting form after slow start

Andy Murray often stumbles his way through the early rounds of tournaments only to find his stride at just the right time to a mount a competitive challenge. This year’s US Open has followed a similar pattern, with the Scot finally coming alive in the fourth round, cruising to a 6-1 6-2 6-2 win against 24th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov.

Next up for the three-time Grand Slam winner is a quarter-final clash against the man he met at the semi-final stage on his way to the Olympic title in Rio just a few weeks ago. However, the British No. 1 will be well aware of his opponent’s strong record in these conditions.

The good news for Murray is that his head-to-head record against the Japanese player is excellent with seven wins in their previous eight meetings. Their only previous meeting at Grand Slam level came at the quarter-final stage of the Australian Open four years ago when the Scot came out on top in three sets.

Nishikori has been in good form this summer having reached the final of the Canadian Masters and bagged himself an Olympic bronze medal in Rio. He also enjoyed he best ever Grand Slam performance at this event when he reached the final two years ago only to fall to Marin Cilic.

Betting odds and tips

Murray looked tired in the early stages of this tournament and has admitted that he has had trouble sleeping since arriving in New York. However, he now appears to be on the road to recovery and even at less than 100%, he should have enough to find a way past Nishikori. Six of Murray`s seven victories against Nishikori have come in straight sets and that is the choice bet again here.

You can back Murray to win 3-0 at 5/4 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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07/09/2016     © Frixo 2024