Juan Martin del Potro is the hottest player on the planet.
The Argentine roared to his 13th consecutive victory with a dominant 6-2, 6-2 result over Kei Nishikori at the Miami Open presented by Itau. It was his fewest games lost against a Top 40 opponent in five years, since dropping three against Tommy Haas at Indian Wells 2013.
Del Potro was scorching under the Miami sun on Sunday, firing 17 winners, claiming all five points when crashing the net and turning aside Nishikori's lone break chance to triumph after just 72 minutes. He advanced to the Round of 16 for the fifth time in 10 tournament appearances.
"I think I'm playing good," said Del Potro. "I can play even better, but I need to get confidence playing on this court, trying to keep winning matches. But it is not easy. My body is starting to feel tight because of all my success.
"But I'm enjoying playing this tournament. I would like to stay longer because it's a special tournament for me. It is the last time playing here in Key Biscayne, so I would love to stay here few more days."
The fifth-seeded Argentine, who is coming off consecutive crowns in Acapulco and Indian Wells, extended his lead in his FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry against Nishikori. Now at 6-2, he exacted revenge after the Japanese most recently prevailed at the Citi Open in Washington last year.
After needing three sets to dismiss Robin Haase in his Miami opener - Del Potro's first match since winning the Indian Wells title - it looked like he would be tested once again against longtime rival Nishikori. The 26th seed had an early break point in the Argentine's first service game, but Del Potro did well to turn it aside and immediately swing momentum in his favour. Peppering Nishikori's forehand with a bevy of blasts, the 'Tower of Tandil' would convert the fourth break opportunity of his own and never looked back.
A fired forehand would give Del Potro an insurance break for 5-2 and an ace secured the opener after 34 minutes. The 29-year-old was in a hurry from there, capturing a quick break to open the second set and cruising to the finish line.
Nishikori showed flashes of the elite form that saw him climb to a career-high No. 4 in the ATP Rankings exactly one year ago. But, as he continues his comeback from a wrist injury, the 2016 Miami finalist is in search of consistency from the baseline. He entered the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event on the heels of a title at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Dallas and semi-final run at the inaugural New York Open.
Del Potro will face 22nd seed Filip Krajinovic in the fourth round on Tuesday. The Serbian's hot streak at the Masters 1000 level has continued in Miami, defeating both Liam Broady and Benoit Paire without dropping a set. He prevailed over Paire 6-3, 6-3 on Court 1 on Sunday.
Runner-up at the Rolex Paris Masters last year (l. to Sock), Krajinovic is eyeing another deep run at the elite level. He has already won nine tour-level matches in his 2018 campaign, which equals his total from 2015-17 combined.
Del Potro will present the 26-year-old's biggest challenge thus far at Crandon Park. It will be their first encounter.
Did You Know?
Del Potro is bidding to join Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andre Agassi, Marcelo Rios, Pete Sampras, Michael Chang and Jim Courier as players who have completed the Sunshine Double - winning in Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back.
