Kyle has made so many improvements to different parts of his game recently, but I would like to see the return of serve be added to that list. I think it is an area where more progress can be made.
The QF line-up certainly has a more conventional clay look than Madrid. And also generally back to a much older look. As against such as Anderson & Isner and also Edmund, Shapovalov and Thiem in addition to Zverev in Madrid.
(1) Nadal vs Fognini Nishikori vs (11) Djokovic (10) Carreno Busta (4) Cilic (9) Goffin vs (2) A Zverev
The QF line-up certainly has a more conventional clay look than Madrid. And also generally back to a much older look. As against such as Anderson & Isner and also Edmund, Shapovalov and Thiem in addition to Zverev in Madrid.
(1) Nadal vs Fognini Nishikori vs (11) Djokovic (10) Carreno Busta (4) Cilic (9) Goffin vs (2) A Zverev
I thought Kyle showed real fight and it was good listening on Radio 5 Live Extra whilst driving - good to see the Italian get live commentary coverage, Russell Fuller and Barry Flatman did a good job.
Rome playing much "thicker" and softer apparently, hence the older more obvious clay courters are getting a look in. Zverev run though is going on and he could catch Nadal's recent record, you never know, of consecutive sets on a given surface. From the above, I fancy Nadal v Djokovic , who seems to be playing well this week, v well in fact. And Cilic v Zverev in the semi as well would make for a strong looking last 4.
For a set and a half, Kyle was hanging in there against a high quality Zverev performance. But he was hanging in there exceptionally well. However, once he broke back in the 2nd set for 4-4, he became stronger and stronger as Zverev struggled with fatigue. Kyle had 2 SPs, one on a Zverev service game (I think it was 5-4) and another in the TB, but on each point, Zverev played very well.
The real story was in the TB. Kyle went 0-3 down but came back to 3-3. He then went 6-3 down before winning the next four points with some terrific tennis to set up that 2nd SP. But that was basically that. He couldn't quite get his nose in front. Overall he saved 7 MPs before finally succumbing on the 8th.
Had he taken the set, he would have started favourite in the 3rd set given Zverev's fatigue. If you can find a stream somewhere, just watch that final TB. It was extraordinary.
Watching Fognini play Rafa. Turned on with Rafa 4-1* up and now it is *4-4. This match has the same feel about it as the DC QF in Naples when I saw an inspired Fognini, fired up by a partisan crowd, take out Andy.