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ATP Tokyo Day 4 Predictions including Thompson vs Nishikori

ATP Tokyo Day 4 Predictions including Thompson vs Nishikori

Vaseline 2 months ago

Day 4 of the ATP event in Tokyo concludes the round of 16, with two home players in action; two-time champion Kei Nishikori, who is looking to climb the rankings again after injuries sidelined him for a long time, and Yoshihito Nishioka, who recorded an epic first-round win and saved match points against Felix Auger-Aliassime. It should be a very exciting day of tennis for the home crowd, full of high-quality tennis and tight matches.

ATP Tokyo Day 4 Predictions

Holger Rune vs. Yoshihito Nishioka

Head to head: Rune 1-1 Nishioka

Rune has struggled a lot in 2024, performing well below the high expectations he set for himself with his results in late 2022 and early 2023. He has lost many matches to lower ranked players and he faces another very tough challenge in Nishioka here . . While the Japanese player doesn’t have any big guns, he can be a nightmare to play against if you’re not confident in your basic shots, as he generally won’t beat himself and will force you to hit winners. If Nishioka plays at home, it could well add to Rune’s woes here.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3

Tomas Machac vs. Tommy Paul

Head to head: first meeting

This event has been dominated by Americans for the past two years and Paul will look to continue that tradition here. He’s been on the cusp of the Top 10 for a while now and a big run here would put him even closer to that goal. He looked impressive in his opening game and should be able to continue his run here.
Prediction: Paul in 2

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Christopher O’Connell vs. Alex Michelsen

Head to head: first meeting


Michelsen has steadily climbed the rankings, scoring an impressive victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round. He now has a very winnable second round on paper and should be able to continue his run here. He was unlucky to meet Sinner at both Cincinnati and the US Open, but was generally solid against lower-ranked players he was expected to beat.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3

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Jordan Thompson vs. Kei Nishikori

Head-to-head: Nishikori 3-1 Thompson

Nishikori scored a fantastic first round win over Marin Cilic ten years later in a rematch of the 2014 US Open final. He played very good tennis at times, showing that he still has the capabilities to be a top player . However, as always throughout his career, it is not his ability but his durability that is the big question mark. If he can maintain the level he showed in his opening match, he should be able to beat Thompson, even if the latter is having the best season of his career.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3

Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports