My two picks for upsets in the AO were Nishikori and DelPo, and I still strongly believe both could advance to the semis. They're both playing tennis in fine form, and this could be a generation-changing year in tennis. With only a few tournaments in, it's already the most exciting start in quite some time!

I'd say Kei in five sets.

IMO, no way Kei is going to beat Tsonga...Kei could make it interesting for set or two but nothing more than that...Tsonga and Murray will have an easy path to the quarters ...I expect both Andy and Tsonga to win their matches in straights...

I think Tsonga could do it in three. Nishikori could get a set, but I think Tsonga can overpower him. I don't see any chance of Nishikori beating Tsonga when he is in this kind of form.

I do agree with natashao that both Tsonga and Murray will have an easy path to their quarterfinal matchup.

Go Kei!

Kei is already two sets to one up! There's no way Tsonga will have an easy way to the QF. He may end up losing today! Well done Kei, he has exceeded by expectations whether he wins or not today.

What is going on in that match? The last I saw Nishikori had evened it up at one set apiece. This is unbelievable! I have been watching football. My New York Giants just beat the San Francisco 49ers to go to the Super Bowl! So I was over the moon and then I came on here to see the score in this match!

No way did I think that Nishikori had any chance against Tsonga. The real winner is Murray, who had it easy when Kukushkin retired in their match. Now he is resting while Tsonga is still out there in the heat battling Nishikori.

This would be quite something if Nishikori pulls it off. If it's a long match, then Murray gets a tired opponent in the quarterfinals. Right now they are showing the Serena match and she is losing.

I may have to check out the livestream to see what is going on with Tsonga and Nishikori.

we are headed for a 5th

It seems like the heat is very intense today. Tsonga is playing quite poorly due to the heat most likely. It's been quite the match though!

Yes, the heat seems to really be taking it out of them. So it's a fifth set to decide it.

I am watching it on espn3.com and also trying to keep any eye on the tv espn broadcast where Serena is on the brink of losing.

Nishikori has done very well. He certainly showed me!

congrats on the SFs, Murray

I like how Nishikori's shirt says "cup noodles" on the sleeve.

Congrats to Kei! Hopefully this does wonders for his confidence moving forward. He may not be able to pull off a Murray upset, but I believe he can definitely give him a tight contest.

Looks like Kei is going to do it! I think Tsonga can't take the heat, it's a hot day our there. Murray is so fortunate the get off the court so soon. I hope tmr won't be as hot and Rafa finish off Berdych quickly!!

Magnificent last game. And a very likeable guy too.

Nishikori-san Amazing, absolutely amazing.
Next Andy M, get this done in 3!

Just read all your comments. Seems the heat did for Tsonga? Do like the way Kei plays though.
Cheers Ricky :) but confidence and an Andy Murray fan just ain't right......so sofa handy...;)

wow, I just woke up to learn that Tsonga lost to Key...poor Tsonga, with such a great start of the season to end up losing to Key...judging by your comments Tsonga could not stand the heat factor...things are looking good for Murray now...

haha..Murray had the toughest draw on paper and look what happened..Both Monfils and Tsonga bumped out. The draw does indeed have its own way of panning out

Yes Murrar locked for semis, so is Djoko

only unknown now is Fed and Rafa..

aegis - what a prediction..hurray!! any tips on reason for prediction and basis for it? Also why Delpo over Fed?

@aegis, please do the official SF & Final prediction along with TT writers.

@ Ricky,
I hope aegis will have the privilege this time

Before we get carried away, let's see if Delpo can pull off the upset against Fed.

Sorry Murray fans, no hiding behind the sofa anymore! Your guy got a huge break with Tsonga losing to Nishikori. Now that Nishikori has played back-to-back five setters, he won't have enough to trouble Murray. I am not taking it for granted, but Murray is playing great tennis, seems confident and keeping it together mentally on the court.

Now I feel comfortable predicting Nole and Murray for the semis! Not a particularly bold prediction now, but there you have it.

Now we have to see if Rafa and Fed can hold up their half of the bargain. I already gave my predictions about them. But after what happened today, you never know what can happen.

I wouldn't think the heat would be so hard on Tsonga. He is very fit. From what I saw of the match, Nishikori seemed to have the answer at many points in the match. Also, Tsonga had break chances at 15-4, 4-2 Nishikori leading. But he couldn't get it done.

go work on your fitness please, Tsonga

aegis - email me to do the quarterfinal expert picks with us (if you want)

ricky.dimon@tennistalk.com or @ridimon@gmail.com

This is why I no longer pay any attention to so-called "experts" predictions...........some had Tsonga as adark horse and winning the tourny! Why, because he beat Rafa at the WTF and won Doha.........................seriously? Slams are a different kettle of fish....................

^^^ nobody with any intelligence picked that, that's for sure!

true indeed, Ricky...whoever thought Tsonga could take this tourney was not being intelligent at all or could easily be marked as tennis ignorant...

we Rafans should be relaxed until the finals as we have Ricky predicting Rafa all the way to the finals...and Ricky is almost Godish in making predictions...:-)

It was an excellent match. I think we all know Tsonga's potential when the conditions are right. He definitely showed it in 2011. Whether or not he can step up his game and move into the top 5 in 2012 is another matter, especially with DelPo regaining his form.