Match Details
Fixture: Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Date: September 26, 2024
Tournament: Japan Open 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 32)
Venue: Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hard-court
Prize Money: $1,818,380
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - TSN
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
preview
Felix Auger-Aliassime will take on Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round of the Japan Open 2024 on September 26.
The match will take place at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. Auger-Aliassime is stepping into this fixture after a first-round exit at the US Open at the hands of Jakub Mensík in straight sets 2-6, 4-6, 2-6. He had participated in the Cincinnati Open before the US Open, where he reached the Round of 16, losing out to Jack Draper in three sets 7-5, 4-6, 4-6.
On the other hand, Nishioka last played at the Hangzhou Open, where he defeated Maximilian Marterer in the first round but lost to former US Open champion Marin Cilic in the next round in straight sets 4-6, 1-6. Even his US Open campaign came to a disappointing end in the first round itself, with him giving the walkover to Miomir Kecmanovic. Before retiring, Nishioka fought till the fifth set with muscle cramps and dehydration in the scorching New York heat.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
head-to-head
Auger-Aliassime and Nishioka have faced each other on seven occasions before. The Canadian currently enjoys the advantage of winning four of those encounters, while the Japanese have won the other three.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
odds
Odds will be updated once available.
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
prediction
This fixture promises excitement and thrill given the rivalry between the two players. While Nishioka will be looking to even out their overall record, Auger-Aliassime will also not make it easy, using his strong forehand and service to his advantage. The Japanese will rely on his speed and counter-punching playstyle, where he poses a solid defense to tackle the Canadian.
As per recent form, Auger-Aliassime has a better win record in the last twelve months than Nishioka, which will already give him a mental boost stepping into this fixture. He has also faced a significantly higher-ranked opposition than Nishioka, making him more clinical while attacking during breakpoints and setpoints.
While Nishioka is the more experienced player, Auger-Aliassime is more successful, having won two more career titles than the 28-year-old Japanese. Nishioka will also look forward to regaining his fitness levels after his US Open scare; Auger-Aliassime would still not leave any chance to capitalize on his opponent's weaknesses. Because of his aggressiveness, he is the favorite to move ahead to the next round.
Pick: Auger-Aliassime to win in three sets.