ATP: JAPANESE PLAYERS IN THE TOKYO SPOTLIGHT!

The evening session at the Japan Open in Tokyo shines the spotlight on two local heroes, Kei Nishikori and Yoshihito Nishioka. Nishikori faces a tough battle against Australia’s Jordan Thompson, while Nishioka hopes to build on his first-round success as he takes on Holger Rune.

KEI NISHIKORI VS JORDAN THOMPSON Kei Nishikori, once ranked 4th in the world, is now battling back from injuries and currently holds the 200th spot. The 34-year-old has shown resilience throughout his career, and despite limited play this season, his experience still makes him a dangerous competitor. Nishikori leads their head-to-head 2-1, with his last win over Thompson coming in Atlanta last year. His best result in 2024 was a quarterfinal run at the ATP 1000 in Montreal. In the first round of the Japan Open, he scored an impressive win over Marin Cilic.

Jordan Thompson has had a fantastic season, grinding his way to a career-best year. Ranked 29th in the world, the Australian claimed his first ATP title of the season in Los Cabos and reached several deep rounds in other tournaments. Thompson upset third seed Casper Ruud in straight sets in the first round of the Japan Open. His form and experience make him a formidable opponent for Nishikori.

YOSHIHITO NISHIOKA VS HOLGER RUNE Yoshihito Nishioka had an emotional first-round win against Felix Auger-Aliassime, marking his first ATP Tour victory on home soil in Japan. Nishioka, currently ranked 59th, has struggled with consistency this year, but his title win in Atlanta (ATP 250) is proof of his potential. With 19 wins from 34 matches this season, the 28-year-old will be looking to keep his Tokyo run alive in front of a supportive crowd.

Holger Rune, despite being ranked 14th, has had a tough year, playing well below the level that saw him reach the top 5 in 2023. The 21-year-old Dane has had one runner-up finish this season, losing to Dimitrov in Brisbane. Rune needed three sets to get past Tabilo in the first round and has struggled with consistency, making this a potential upset if Nishioka can maintain his form.