Shanghai Masters 2024: Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick

Match Details

Fixture: Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone

Date: October 2, 2024

Tournament: Shanghai Masters 2024

Round: First Round

Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China

Category: ATP 1000

Surface: Hard (Indoor)

Prize Money: $8,800,000

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN

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Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone preview

Nishikori plays a backhand during the National Bank Open - Source: Getty

Former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori will take on Mariano Navone in the first round of the Shanghai Masters.

Nishikori missed the beginning of the season due to a knee injury. He returned to the men's tour in March and has chalked up seven wins from 14 matches, including quarterfinal runs in the Canada and Japan Open. He also reached the quarterfinals of the ATP Genoa Challenger, where he lost to Jaume Munar in three sets.

The 34-year-old put up a solid performance in Tokyo last week. He outfoxed Marin Cilic and Jordan Thompson en route to the quarterfinals, but couldn't make his mark against Holger Rune. The Dane defeated Nishikori in a close contest, 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.

Navone prepares to play a slice shot during the National Bank Open - Source: Getty

Mariano Navone, meanwhile, has had a favorable season so far by amassing 17 wins from 36 matches, including runner-up finishes in the Rio Open and the Bucharest Open. He also reached the quarterfinals of the Swedish Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in three sets.

The Argentine will enter Shanghai after a second-round exit in Tokyo. He started his campaign by cruising past Luciano Darderi but came up shy against Ben Shelton. The American outclassed Navone in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.

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Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone head-to-head

The head-to-head between Nishikori and Navone is locked at 0-0.

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Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone odds

Player Name	Moneyline	Handicap Bets	Total Games
Kei Nishikori
Mariano Navone

Odds will be updated when available.

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Kei Nishikori vs Mariano Navone prediction

Nishikori unleashes a forehand in the National Bank Open - Source: Getty

Kei Nishikori is starting to pick up the pace on the men's tour. The Japanese has been constantly dealing with injuries in the past few years and will be hoping to continue playing for a while. He has loads of experience in his locker and is known for his never-say-die attitude on the court.

Navone, on the other hand, is among the most talented players on the men's tour. Apart from runner-up finishes in Rio and Bucharest, he also lifted the trophy in the Cagliari Challenger. The Argentine has defeated higher-ranked opponents such as Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo.

Considering their recent results on tour and record during the Asian hardcourt swing, Nishikori will be a slight favorite to come out on top. The Japanese lost a close encounter against Holger Rune in Tokyo and looked in great shape throughout the event. He will hope to follow up with another strong week on tour in the ATP Shanghai Masters.

Pick: Nishikori wins in three sets.