French Open 2021: Kei Nishikori vs Henri Laaksonen Preview, Head to Head and Prediction for Roland Garros
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Kei Nishikori and Henri Laaksonen
World No. 49 Kei Nishikori will take on World No.150 Henri Laaksonen in round three of the 2021 French Open on June 4.
Match Details:
| Tournament | French Open 2021 |
| Match | Kei Nishikori vs Henri Laaksonen |
| Round | Third Round |
| Date | 4th June, 2021 |
| Prize Money | $136,787 (INR 99,95,026) |
| Venue | Roland Garros, Paris, France |
| Surface | Clay Court |
Kei Nishikori vs Henri Laaksonen: Preview
The Japanese might come into this match a bit jaded after playing two back-to-back five-setters in round one and two. Although Nishikori has not been at his best on the clay this season after returning from injury, his ability to retrieve balls and extend the rallies is still playing dividends. Moreover, has also reveled in playing long matches at the Majors over the years, knowing how to prevail.
The 31-year-old is yet to get past the third round of any clay court event in 2021. That said, if Nishikori can keep up his first serve percentage high and win points of it comfortably like he did in the previous two rounds, there is a high probability that he will make the second week of this year’s French Open. He is also a former three-time quarterfinalist at Roland Garros.
On the other hand, the Swiss player has been a surprise package at this year’s French Open. After entering the event as a qualifier, Laaksonen now finds himself into the third round of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career. After beating Yannick Hanfmann in the opening round, the 29-year-old stunned Spaniard Bautista Agut in the second round in four sets. He has played 19 matches on the clay this season, but going ahead it will be interesting to see how much gas he has left in the tank to take on another dogged customer.
Kei Nishikori vs Henri Laaksonen: Head to Head
These two have never met on the ATP tour before.
Kei Nishikori vs Henri Laaksonen: Prediction
Both players are coming into this clash after playing long hours in their previous two rounds. Therefore, some fatigue setting into their bodies will be normal. It will be interesting to see which player manages the workload well ahead of this match. While there is every chance that this too will be a gripping contest, with longer rallies and regular service breaks, the Japanese veteran should prevail given his experience of playing deep in the Grand Slams.
Match Prediction: Kei Nishikori should win in four sets.
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Vivek Krishnan
(767 Articles Published)