Hamburg Open 2020: Cristian Garin vs Kei Nishikori preview, head-to-head & prediction

Match details

Fixture: Cristian Garin vs Kei Nishikori

Date: 22 September 2020

Tournament: Hamburg European Open 2020

Round: First round (Round of 32)

Venue: Hamburg, Germany

Category: ATP 500

Surface: Red clay

Prize money: €1,062,520

Match timing: 10 am CEST, 1.30 pm IST

Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six

Cristian Garin vs Kei Nishikori preview

The 2020 Hamburg Open presents another opportunity for Kei Nishikori to find some form ahead of the French Open.

Nishikori had a long injury layoff and was due to make a comeback at the US Open, but an unfortunate bout of COVID-19 relegated him to the sidelines once again. Since his return, the Japanese has managed to win just one of the three matches that he has played.

Following disappointing results in Kitzbuhel and Rome, Nishikori will be looking to make amends against Cristian Garin in the first round at Hamburg.

Garin is also coming off a poor showing at the Italian Open, where he lost in the opening round to Borna Coric. His US Open run wasn’t spectacular either as he registered just the single victory at Flushing Meadows.

Kei Nishikori

Needless to say, both Garin and Nishikori will be looking to get their claycourt swing back on track with a victory at Hamburg. This tournament would, of course, be the final one for them before Roland Garros, and both will be looking to make the most of it.

Cristian Garin vs Kei Nishikori head-to-head

Cristian Garin and Kei Nishikori have never played each other on tour, and as such their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.

Cristian Garin vs Kei Nishikori prediction

Cristian Garin

Cristian Garin and Kei Nishikori are both recognized exponents of claycourt tennis. Although the Japanese is far more experienced, the Chilean also has several tricks up his sleeve which help him excel on this surface.

Garin is an excellent mover on clay, as is Nishikori in normal circumstances. However, Garin may have the upper hand in this aspect on Tuesday given that the Japanese’s footwork has been quite sluggish since his return.

Garin lacks the power to hit the ball through his opponents, but he can make up for that with his ability to absorb pace. The Chilean is adept at placing shots in difficult returning positions for his opponents.

Nishikori will have to rediscover his footwork to gain the ascendancy over Garin. We can expect several long rallies in this match as both will mainly rely on their groundstrokes in the absence of a strong serve.

Prediction: Cristian Garin to win in three sets.