It’s time for the clash of the former world number 3 versus the former number 4 in Montreal! Stefanos Tsitsipas is all set to take on the campaigner from Japan, Kei Nishikori, in the R32 of the Canadian Open. Tsitsipas has played some exceptional tennis this year and has come close several times to clinching titles. So far, he has managed to win only one title this year. Will Montreal be a happy hunting ground for the Greek tennis star?

Kei Nishikori, on the other hand, hasn’t played much this season. However, he’ll be entering this match after his recent victory against America’s Alex Michelsen in the first round (R64). It’ll be interesting to see if the Japanese can withstand the mighty challenge of Tsitsipas in this intriguing contest.

Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Kei Nishikori: Preview

Apart from winning a title in Monte Carlo, Tsitsipas has reached one final two SFs and four QFs this season (including the Paris Olympics). The last time when he stepped onto the court, he was thrashed by Novak Djokovic in two sets. He could only manage to hit 3 aces and committed 3 double faults against the Serb. Tsitsipas won 62% of his first serve and 42% of his second serve. In the breakpoints, the Greek could only manage to convert 2/6.

Kei Nishikori, on the other hand, didn’t feature in many tournaments this year. The Olympics were just the fifth tournament of his run this season. In this tournament, however, he started his campaign pretty well. Nishikori defeated Michelsen by 3-6, 7-5, 6-4 in the first round of the Canadian Open. He managed to hit only 1 ace in the entire match but committed 3 double faults. In that match, Nishikori won 64% of his first serve and 71% of his second serve. However, he only converted 4/12 of his breakpoints.

Tsitsipas vs Nishikori: Head-to-Head

Both the players are two of the biggest names in the ATP world. They have now played quite a few matches in their careers so far and have also gained a fair bit of experience. However, this will only be their third meeting on the tour, and guess what? Currently, their H2H scoreline is leveled at 1-1.

• 2018 Japan Open QF: Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1
• 2021 Miami Open R32: Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-3

Prediction: Tsitsipas to win in straight sets

Looking at his current form, Tsitsipas should win the match convincingly. Kei Nishikori is no doubt a proven campaigner, as he reached the finals of the US Open in 2014. So, surely he has what it takes to perform on this surface? Nishikori has been a bit rusty recently, and his lack of game time may cost him the match against a formidable opponent like Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas (11) has a win-loss record of 35-14 this season, while Nishikori (576) has only recorded 2-4 this year. The momentum lies with the Greek.

The Greek is an aggressive baseliner who loves to hit powerful groundstroke winners. He has a strong forehand and heavy topspin rate, which he uses to push his opponents off-guard during the match. However, his biggest weaknesses are overhitting the balls and making too many unforced errors while trying to hit winners. Tsitsipas also struggles to return the serve against players with strong kick serves. His favorite shot is the one-handed backhand.

Nishikori’s favorite shot is the forehand. The 34-year-old tennis player is a solid player who can play consistent shots on both wings. He is often seen taking the match deep with strong groundstrokes to wear out his opponents. Nishikori perhaps has one of the best two-handed backhands on the Tour and can return the serve pretty well. However, his major weakness is his serve. Looking at the overall stats and their current form, it’s going to be Tsitsipas all the way!