And here we go …

Stan Wawrinka (SUI) [3] vs. Kei Nishikori (JPN) [10]

If this is the undercard match, it is a great undercard.  Nishikori played well in Melbourne and in Miami looked like a man ready to breakthrough before he withdrew.  In Madrid, he had Nadal on the ropes until health failed him.  If Nishikori is healthy, he is good enough to beat anyone on tour.  Stanislas Wawrinka played an incredible fourth set versus Tommy Robredo as he blasted shot after shot.  Wawrinka even got a little testy with Robredo.  Stan looked in his demeanor and powerful play like the man who won his first Grand Slam and Masters 1000 titles in 2014.  I think Wawrinka’s biggest edge is his durability.  Over three out of five sets, I think Wawrinka will find his range often enough to eventually impose his will and win this match.  Prediction: Wawrinka d. Nishikori  7-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

Novak Djokovic (SRB) [1] vs. Andy Murray (GBR) [8]

Video Game Tennis

In one corner, Andy Murray is one of the best hard court players of his generation.  Murray is the 2012 US Open champion, 2008 US Open runner-up and a three-time Australian Open runner-up.  In the other corner, Novak Djokovic is one of the best hard court champions ever as he holds a 2011 US Open title, 4 Australian Open titles, and 4 US Open runner-up trophies.  Each man has collected more than his fair share of Masters 1000 titles on hard courts as well.  Both players are among the best movers on the ATP Tour and they are the two best returners in the game.  Ivan Lendl was once asked what he expected to see out of a Murray-Nole match and simply responded, “Pain.”  These two guys can extend points versus one another in a manner that pushes a player to the limits.  It is fortunate for both men that this is an evening match.  I expect a war, but I think Novak win in 4 sets.  Murray looks closer to his pre-back surgery form, but until he wins a big match versus Federer, Nadal or Djokovic (0-5 since back surgery), he is an underdog.  Prediction: Djokovic d. Murray 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3