A huge clash in the ongoing ATP World Tour Finals 2016 sees World No 1 Andy Murray go head to head with Japan's Kei Nishikori on Wednesday at the centre court in the iconic O2 Arena, London. This is the first meeting between the two after Nishikori, seeded fifth, outclassed Murray in the quarterfinals of the US Open 2016 over five sets.
The Scot, however, has the advantage as he has beaten Nishikori twice in their three meetings this year -- at the Rio 2016 Olympics and at the Davis Cup tie between Great Britain and Japan.
Now, with semifinals spot in the year-ending ATP event on the line, none of the past results matter. Both Murray and Nishikori come into this game at the back of some comfortable victories over Marin Cilic and Stan Wawrinka respectively.
"I would say this is probably his [Nishikori's] best year that he's had on the tour," mentioned Murray ahead of the game. "He's one of the best players in the world. He's been playing very well the last few months especially."
Novak Djokovic has already progressed to the last four of the ATP World Tour Finals 2016 and it needs to be if either of them can join the Serbian in the next round.
Here are the semifinal qualification scenarios:
- Murray qualifies if he defeats Nishikori and Cilic defeats Wawrinka in the other game of the day.
- Murray also qualifies if he defeats Nishikori in 2 sets and Wawrinka defeats Cilic in 3 sets.
- Nishikori qualifies if he defeats Murray and Wawrinka defeats Cilic.
- Nishikori also qualifies if he defeats Murray in 2 sets and Cilic defeats Wawrinka in 3 sets.
Schedule
The men's tennis singles match is set to get under way around 8:15 pm GMT (1:45 am IST [Tuesday]) on November 14.
Where to watch live
India: No telecast.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 1. Live stream: Tennis TV, Watch Sky Sports.
Live scores HERE.
