By Lauren Lynch
Photo Credit: Mark Howard

(March 26, 2011) With Dwayne Wade and Lebron James watching close by on Saturday evening, Kei Nishikori gave World No. 1 Rafael Nadal a great match ending 6-4, 6-4. While 7th seed and Miami finalist Tomas Berdych easily won the first and third set, he stuggled in the second to Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-0.

Brad Gilbert's coaching seems to be working for the young Japanese player. Kei was able to break Rafa in the first set and get ahead but Nadal pushed through to take the match in his new bright green top. Rafa was up for the competition- when asked about what he loves most about tennis he said, "I love the competition. Yeah. I love the support in general, all the sports. Tennis is my sport, so I like the tennis and especially I love the competition."


Nishikori commented on Nadal ability on the variety of surfaces saying, "Doesn't matter. Yeah, he's good on everything."

Dwayne Waded said, "There’s certain things in Miami that guys should experience,” Wade said. “So I had to drag LeBron out here, but I think this is something he’ll probably come back to next year and come back for years after that. This is a good experience. It’s something different and it’s a great day off, getting over here with the kids."