Halep could face a tougher test against resurgent Sevastova

ATP & WTA Madrid Open
Sky Sports 1 & Mix/BT Sport 1 & 3, 11am Friday

Novak Djokovic's Madrid Open quarter-final clash with Kei Nishikori has upset potential, but with the world number two seemingly having lost his mojo this season there may be more punter interest in watching Simona Halep continue to make strides on clay.

Nishikori was being nibbled at to defeat Djokovic in the wake of the Japanese ace's 6-4 6-3 last-16 victory over David Ferrer and the Serb's 6-4 7-5 edging of Feliciano Lopez.

Bookmakers give Nishikori a start of 3.5 games on their handicaps but while the world number eight could clear that mark, Djokovic has been a master at stepping up his form when required to in the past.

Halep, who hammered upstart Coco Vandeweghe 6-1 6-1 in the last eight, is a hot favourite to deny Kiki Bertens' conqueror Anastasija Sevastova. But while the favourite should oblige, the Latvian battler could put up stouter resistance than Vandeweghe and may be of interest with a start of 4.5 games.

Recommendation
A Sevastova +4.5 games
1pt 11-10 Paddy Power