French Open 2021: Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction For Roland Garros
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Karen Khachanov and Kei Nishikori
World No.25 Karen Khachanov will take on World No.49 Kei Nishikori in round two of the 2021 French Open on June 2.
Match Details:
| Tournament | French Open, 2021 |
| Match | Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori |
| Round | Second Round |
| Date | 2nd June, 2021 |
| Prize Money | $101,683 (INR 73,73,090 approx.) |
| Venue | Paris, France |
| Surface | Clay Court |
Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori: Preview
The Japanese is coming into this match having played nine games on the clay this season, with six wins and three defeats. The 31-year-old hasn’t enjoyed his best time on clay in 2021 after regular second-third round exits in Barcelona, Madrid and Rome. Coming back onto the tour after the injury has taken a toll on the former top-10 player. Even in his opening round in Paris he had to wade off his opponent in five sets. That said, he has been vocal about spending more time on the court, and as we have seen in the past, he finds a way to grind out matches in the first week of a Grand Slam.
On the other hand, the Russian too has experienced a rough time on clay until he reached the semifinal in Lyon, before losing in straight sets to Cameron Norrie. The 25-year-old consistently has been exiting the tournaments in either the first or second round on clay this season. Although he beat Jiri Vesely in straight sets in the first round, nothing extravagant is expected from Khachanov going ahead this week in Paris.
Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori: Head to Head
The two players have met five times on the tour, with the Japanese leading 3-2. Their last meeting was on clay too, which was again won by Nishikori in three sets at the Madrid Masters.
Karen Khachanov vs Kei Nishikori: Prediction
Both players will come into this contest knowing what to expect from each other after their recent meeting on the dirt. Moreover, they haven’t been at their best on clay this season. Expect this match to cross the three-hour mark, with fluctuating fortunes. A five-setter is a likely outcome with Nishikori having a slight edge.
Match Prediction: Kei Nishikori should win in five sets.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)