Roger Federer vs. Kei Nishikori

This match is hard to call.  Nishikori reached the US Open final, won Tokyo and just took out Andy Murray in straight sets.  Roger Federer has played well throughout 2014, but did lose to Kei in Miami.  Kei fell to Federer at Halle.  Nishikori’s ability to take the ball early can trouble anyone.  Kei can beat anyone.  This is a fact when one considers that Nishikori beat Roger in Miami, Nole at the US Open, Murray at the O2 and had Rafa on the ropes in Madrid.  The winner of this match will be 2-0 in the group and have a near lock on a semifinal berth.  Roger will have to serve well, use his slice backhand and make judicious jaunts to the net to win.  Kei will need to take care of his own serve and pressure Roger with stinging ground strokes that rob the Swiss Maestro of time.  I think this surface will help Roger hold serve and weather the storm of winners that Nishikori can summon.

My prediction: Federer d. Nishikori 6-4, 7-5