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Match Details
Fixture: Denis Shapovalov vs (WC) Kei Nishikori
Date: December 30, 2024
Tournament: Bank of China Hong Kong Open 2025
Round: First round (Round of 32)
Venue: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Hardcourt
Prize Money: $730,000
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK
Denis Shapovalov vs Kei Nishikori preview
Denis Shapovalov will lock horns with wildcard entrant Kei Nishikori in the first round of the Bank of China Hong Kong Open on Monday, December 30.
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Shapovalov's 2024 season marked his comeback from a serious knee injury. The Canadian struggled to regain his touch until mid-season. He suffered opening-round defeats in five of his first six tournaments. He reached the third round of the French Open and Wimbledon.
Shapovalov made his first quarterfinal appearance of the season in August at the Citi Open. He finished the year on a strong note, clinching the title at the Serbia Open. The Canadian registered four consecutive straight sets wins, including a dominant victory over fourth seed Jiri Lehecka to win the ATP 250 event.
Meanwhile, Nishikori's knee injury delayed his start to the 2024 season. He commenced his campaign at the Miami Open, where he suffered a first round defeat. After disappointing runs at the French Open (second-round exit) and Wimbledon (first-round exit), Nishikori made three consecutive quarterfinal appearances. This included the Canadian Open and two Challenger tournaments.
Similar to Shapovalov, Nishikori wrapped up the season with a title win. The former World No. 4 defeated Luca Nardi to clinch the HPP Open, a Challenger event. Nishikori registered an 8-9 win-loss record in 2024.
Denis Shapovalov vs Kei Nishikori head-to-head
The duo has faced each other on two occasions so far. Shapovalov registered a comeback win in their first meeting at the 2018 Abierto Mexicano Telcel, but Nishikori levelled the scoreline the same year in Washington. Hence, their head-to-head stands at 1-1.
Denis Shapovalov vs Kei Nishikori odds
(Odds will be updated once available)
Denis Shapovalov vs Kei Nishikori prediction
Shapovalov's 2024 season was far from perfect. However, the former World No. 10 will be full of confidence from his title win at the Serbia Open. If he can pick up from where he left and remain fully fit, Shapavolov could cause serious problems for his opponent.
Nishikori's experience, quick movements around the court and touch shots could test Shapovalov. The Japanese international picked up his pace in the closing stages of the 2024 season. However, it is to be noted that he majorly enjoyed his success in Challenger tournaments.
Shapovalov's strong forehand and backhand and his deadly serve gives him the edge over Nishikori. The leftie is expected to come out on top in this fixture.
Pick: Shapovalov to win in straight-sets.
