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Match Details
Fixture: (WC) Kei Nishikori vs Alexandre Muller
Date: January 5, 2025
Tournament: Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025
Round: Final
Venue: Victoria Park Tennis Stadium
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Hard (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $680,140
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN+
Kei Nishikori vs Alexandre Muller preview
Kei Nishikori will face Alexandre Muller in the final of the Hong Kong Open on January 5, 2025. The Japanese will be looking to clinch his first singles title since 2019.
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Nishikori received a wildcard to the main draw of the ATP 250 event and started with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-3 win over Denis Shapovalov before edging out third seed Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals. Here, the Japanese locked horns with former Top-10 player Cameron Norrie and won another three-setter 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 to set up a semifinal clash against Shang Juncheng.
The two played just seven games before the Chinese was forced to retire due to illness, thus giving Nishikori a place in the Hong Kong Open final. This is the Japanese's first final in six years.
Alexandre Muller has been the epitome of resilience during the ATP 250 tournament, having won all of his matches after being a set down. The Frenchman started his campaign with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Marc-Andrea Huesler before edging out Miomir Kecmanovic 5-7, 7-6(6), 7-6(10) to reach the quarterfinals.
Here, the 27-year-old faced compatriot Arthur Fils and came back from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 and reach the semifinals. Muller faced Jaume Munar and found himself a set and a break down. However, he staged a brilliant fightback to register a 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 win and reach his second ATP singles final.
Kei Nishikori vs Alexandre Muller head-to-head
The two haven't squared off before on the ATP Tour, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Kei Nishikori vs Alexandre Muller odds
All odds sourced from BETMGM.
Kei Nishikori vs Alexandre Muller prediction
Nishikori will be in good spirits entering the final and will also have a physical edge, considering how tedious Muller's matches have been. That said, the Frenchman's persistence to keep dragging on despite being in tough situations puts him in a good position to win.
Nishikori has produced decent numbers on his first serve so far, winning 120 out of 160 points (75%), serving 12 aces. He has produced 70 winners while accumulating 81 unforced errors. The Japanese is an effective counterpuncher but can also be aggressive when needed. He will have to keep his unforced error count in check during the final.
Muller has an effective serve that has fetched him 24 aces so far during the Hong Kong Open. The 27-year-old has won 192 out of 270 points so far on his first serve, and has hit 128 winners while producing 145 unforced errors. The Frenchman will heavily rely on his service games while looking for the odd decisive break of serve.
While Muller could be feeling the effects of his past encounters, Nishikori will still find it hard to get past his resilience. That said, given the Japanese's experience, there is a fair chance of him coming out on top and winning his first title since 2019.
Pick: Kei Nishikori to win in three sets.
