Day Nine was all about quarter finals, the first 2 of the men’s and the last pair of the women’s, on Key Biscayne, to determine Miami Open semi finalists.
US crowds on the John Isner (14) train continued to enjoy the ride as he accounted for Hyeon Chung (19) in typical big serving fashion 6-1 6-4.
13 aces in just over an hour, and only one point lost on his first serve for the match, presented Isner with a smooth track to victory.
He will now, irrespective of remaining results, move up to 10 in the world rankings, passing Sock and Querrey, to become the highest ranked American male player. Should he win the tournament, he will move to 9, his equal best career effort, previously achieved in April 2012.
Home crowds flocked to the all American quarter final between the remarkable Venus Williams (8), who seems to have been around since they invented the concept of tennis, and qualifier Danielle Collins, who has cut a swathe through the Miami draw. The 24 year old also made her mark last week at Indian Wells with a round of sixteen credit.
Holding no fear, and playing smart tennis throughout, Collins dispatched Williams in straight sets 6-2 6-3.
She will play Jelena Ostapenko (6) in a semi final following the Latvian’s hard fought victory over Elina Svitolina (4) 7-6(3) 7-6(5)
The match of the day - correction, night - was no doubt that between Juan Martin del Potro (5) and Milos Raonic (20).
The pair had clashed just last week in the Indian Wells desert, where the Argentine crushed Milos in a semi final.
This was far from that, with the first set a demonstration of high class competitive tennis, barely a feather between them.
The serving was, as expected, big and reliable, and the Canadian was the only one to sneak a break point opportunity. He capitalised upon it, or rather del Potro double faulted, and that won Raonic the lead 7-5 over a disappointed but determined fifth seed.
Tie breaks were required in the remaining sets, after no breaks of serve in set two and surprisingly two breaks apiece in the decider.
The lethal forehand of del Potro was let loose in both tie breaks and Raonic was unable to contain its destructive effect.
Juan Martin del Potro won this extraordinary match which lasted a fraction under three hours, 5-7 7-6(1) 7-6(3).
Well placed to capture the “Sunshine Double” after defeating Federer in Indian Wells last week, del Potro is on a winning run of 15, having won in Acapulco before his excellent US showing.
Next cab off the rank will have John Isner as its passenger and it will be a tricky fare for Juan Martin to negotiate.
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