ATP Barcelona Open 2021: Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

ATP Barcelona Open 2021: Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori – Preview, Head to Head and Prediction

World No.22, Cristian Garin will take on the World No. 39, Kei Nishikori in the second round of the 2021 Barcelona Open on April 21.  

Match Details

  • Tournament: ATP Barcelona Open 2021
  • Match: Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori
  • Round: Second round 
  • Date: 21st April, 2021
  • Prize Money: $16,373
  • Venue: Barcelona, Spain
  • Surface: Clay Court

Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori: Preview

Cristian Garin

The Japanese star will make yet another appearance in Barcelona, where he is a former two-time champion and a three-time finalist. In the opening round, he narrowly escaped against Guido Pella in three sets. However, spending time on the court, and eventually grinding out the win would have given Nishikori the much-needed confidence.

That said, the former Barcelona champion will have to avoid galore of unforced errors that he made in his opening round and will need to get back to his strong play from the baseline to compete well.

FS Video

Meanwhile, his opponent Garin has got decent match practice under his belt, especially on clay. The Chilean made the finals of Santiago in March and also reached the third round in Monte Carlo, before losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. The 13th seed will fancy his chances against a relatively rusty Japanese.

Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori: Head to Head

Kei Nishikori
Kei Nishikori

These two have met only once before and that was in Rome last year. The Chilean came out on top in straight sets.

Cristian Garin v Kei Nishikori: Prediction

Cristian Garin

Although the Japanese is comfortable on the clay, he has struggled to get results on his side post this return from injury. We also saw rustiness creep into Nishikori’s game in the opening round.

On the other hand, Garin has played plenty of matches on clay and that experience will help him during tough moments in this match. Expect a close encounter, with momentum swinging from one side of the net to other.  

Match Prediction: Christian Garin should win in three sets.  

Also read: ATP Barcelona Open 2021: Jannik Sinner vs Egor Gerasimov–Preview, Head to Head and Prediction