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Estoril Open 2021: Kevin Anderson vs Kei Nishikori Preview, Head-to-Head & Prediction

South African tennis player Kevin Anderson will face Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori in the Round of 16 matches at the Estoril Open 2021. In the past, they have played against each other nine times. The Japanese athlete has an edge over his South African opponent with five wins against four losses.

Kevin Anderson vs Kei Nishikori: Preview

Whenever the South African player enters a tennis court to compete against Kei Nishikori, the match promises to live up to its expectations. Both players began their season at the Australian Open and suffered opening round defeats. At the Estoril Open, Kevin Anderson beat rising American player Frances Tiafoe in an epic thriller yesterday.

It took the 34-year-old three hard-fought sets to eventually overcome the upcoming star. On the other hand, Kei received a wild card and will play his first match of the tournament tomorrow. However, he did play against Rafael Nadal in the previous week, and although he lost the match, he won a set against the Spaniard.

Kevin Anderson and Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal of Spain and Kevin Anderson of South Africa pose during the trophy ceremony after their Men’s Singles Finals match on Day Fourteen of the 2017 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 10, 2017 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Rafael Nadal defeated Kevin Anderson in the third set with a score of 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Anderson vs Nishikori: Head-to-Head

Having played nine times in the past, both players have an idea of each other’s games and tactics. Nonetheless, it will be different this time as they will be facing each other after three years and both players have returned from injuries in the past year. 

They have mostly played against each other on the hardcourt. They did play once on clay, during the quarterfinal at the ATP Geneva Open in 2017. The match went into the final set and was settled by a tie-breaker, which was won by Nishikori. 

Kei Nishikori of Japan
Mar 27, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a forehand against Aljaz Bedene of Slovakia (not pictured) in the second round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Anderson vs Kei Nishikori: Prediction

Both these amazing athletes have beaten each other in the past on quite a few counts. But since they have not played against each other in the past few years, it promises to be a close-fought encounter and will be a treat for the fans. 

Prediction: Kei Nishikori to win in three sets.

Also Read: “Made Me Stay Home for More Than Two Weeks”: Serena Williams Reflects on Upside of the Pandemic

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