The second day at ATP Tokyo promises even more action and excitement as some of the big guns enter the fray. Several intriguing encounters are on the cards, and we here at LWOT offer our predictions on every match – including Carlos Alcaraz vs Sebastian Baez. But who will advance?
ATP Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Luciano Darderi vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: first meeting
This Asian swing will be the final chance for Yoshihito Nishioka to salvage what has been a truly disastrous season. Everything has gone wrong for him over the past year, and he is currently winless in his last eight matches, knocking him out of the top 100.
In contrast, Luciano Darderi is arguably having his best season, with titles in Bastad and Umag, as well as a couple of Challenger titles, and he now sits comfortably within the top 30. That being said, Nishioka will have the edge in these conditions if he is fit. The Japanese has shown signs of improvement, winning at least a set in his last two matches, and he’ll hope he can win at least one more to get over the line on home soil.
Prediction: Nishioka in 2
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Ugo Humbert vs Jenson Brooksby
Head-to-head: Humbert 1-1 Brooksby
Ugo Humbert has yet to regain the momentum he showed earlier in the season, forcing him to miss several events, and he was lacklustre in the ones he participated in. He has just one win in his last five matches to bring his season to a modest 18-16, which is in contrast to his previous two seasons.
Jenson Brooksby will be satisfied with the progress he has made this year, coming back from suspension with no ranking to sit inside the top 100. With neither player currently at their peak, this can swing either way. However, with points to defend here in Tokyo, Humbert should have enough motivation to finish the season strong.
Prediction: Humbert in 3
Casper Ruud vs Shintaro Mochizuki
Head-to-head: first meeting
Despite the gulf in ranking and experience, this could be a banana skin for Casper Ruud if he is complacent against Shintaro Mochizuki. The Japanese player is highly talented and dangerous, and playing in front of home fans can catalyse a spirited performance. Don’t be surprised if there is an upset in this one given the Norwegian’s struggles this season.
Prediction: Mochizuki in 3
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Brandon Nakashima vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: Nakashima 5-2 Thompson
Brandon Nakashima began the Asian swing in promising fashion, reaching the Chengdu semifinal before losing to eventual champion Alejandro Tabilo. The American, of Japanese descent, will hope to carry that form to the ATP Tokyo Open against the struggling Jordan Thompson, whom he has defeated three out of four times on hardcourts. The Australian has more experience in these conditions – but Nakashima is the more in-form player.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Main photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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