After an opening four rounds featuring plenty of surprise results and thrilling tennis, just eight men remain in contention for the Miami Open title. Amongst those to have fallen by the wayside already are world #1 Novak Djokovic and recent Indian Wells champion Dominic Thiem. But three-time former Miami Open champion Roger Federer remains in the hunt, as does recent Australian Open quarterfinalist Frances Tiafoe. But who will reach the semifinals?
Denis Shapovalov vs Frances Tiafoe
Head-To-Head: Shapovalov 1-1 Tiafoe
Last meeting: 2018 Cincinnati Masters (Shapovalov won 7-6 3-6 7-5)
The future of men’s tennis will be on display when 19-year-old Denis Shapovalov takes on 21-year-old Frances Tiafoe for a spot in the Miami Open semifinals. Shapovalov outlasted fellow NextGen star Stefanos Tsitsipas in an epic round of 16 match, eventually outhitting the Greek after more than two hours of blistering baseline exchanges. Tiafoe, meanwhile, took a leaf out of LeBron James’ book with his striking celebration after he knocked out 18th seed David Goffin 7-5 7-6 in a rain-delayed contest. It was surely a sweet victory for the young American who had four times fallen at the round of 16 stage at a Masters.
So far this season, Tiafoe has played his best tennis at the biggest events. But Shapovalov, despite suffering six defeats in 2019, has been the more consistent performer of the two, reaching quarterfinals in Marseille, Rotterdam and now Miami. The American’s forehand technique is unusual, but he can summon real power from that wing. He looks to have rediscovered his range after a trying period after the Australian Open, which included a first-round exit in Indian Wells. But Shapovalov, who can inject pace more easily than Tiafoe, should have the slight edge in this contest. His excellent cross-court forehand, a shot Nadal employed to perfection in downing the American in Melbourne, should be the difference between the two.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
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Roger Federer vs Kevin Anderson
Head-To-Head: Federer 5-1 Anderson
Last meeting: 2018 ATP Finals (Federer won 6-4 6-3)
Roger Federer made light work of Daniil Medvedev, losing just six games, to book a quarterfinal meeting with Kevin Anderson. The Swiss currently leads the head-to-head against the giant South African 5-1, winning their most recent match at the 2018 ATP Finals in the round robin. However, Anderson inflicted a chastening loss on Federer at Wimbledon, rallying from two sets and a match point down to beat Federer in five. After that loss, Federer struggled both physically and emotionally to continue what had been a brilliant start to 2018, which saw him defend his Australian Open title and win in Rotterdam to become the oldest man ever to hold the #1 ranking.
This year, however, the Swiss has found a measure of consistency. Since suffering a shock fourth round defeat in Melbourne, he has collected the 100th title of his career in Dubai and reached the final in Indian Wells. With Novak Djokovic short of form and focus and Nadal out injured, further Miami Open success for Federer could aid him in a possible battle for the year-end #1 ranking. However, he has lost a number of close matches lately, most recently to Thiem in the Californian desert, which will surely be a concern, especially for such a fierce competitor.
Anderson had been absent from the tour whilst recovering from a right elbow injury for much of the last two months. He certainly looked rusty on his return to action against Jaume Munar, but battled through in three. Since then, though he has not yet played at his very best, he has shown some fine touches, beating Joao Sousa 6-4 7-6 and Jordan Thompson 7-5 7-5. However, it is hard to imagine anything less than his best tennis being enough against Federer. Unfortunately for Anderson, this match seems a test too far, too soon.
Prediction: Federer in 3
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