The world #1 Novak Djokovic’s dream debut in Tokyo has taken him all the way into the Japan Open. The 16-time Grand Slam champion is yet to drop a set so far this week. But his opponent in the final, Australia’s John Millman, has also been extremely impressive. The Australian, who came through the qualifying, has only dropped one set so far in the main matches and is set to contest his maiden ATP 500 final. But who will come out on top.
Japan Open Final Prediction
Novak Djokovic vs John Millman
Head-to-head: Djokovic 2-0 Millman
After beating Bradley Klahn and Tatsuma Ito to reach the main draw, Millman started his week at the Japan Open proper with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 comeback win over Adrian Mannarino, before dispatching South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 6-2 6-2. He was in similarly impressive form in the quarterfinals, where he proved far too strong for Japanese wildcard Taro Daniel, who had upset second seed Borna Coric in the first round, recording a comprehensive 6-4 6-0 win over Daniel.
He maintained that level against Reilly Opelka. The big-serving American had not dropped a set all week, beating a number of players who sit comfortably above him in the ATP rankings. But Millman, in keeping with the excellent level he has displayed throughout the Japan Open, stuck to his task throughout. Of particular note was his serving. He saved both the break points forced by Opelka, whilst converting his own, and ultimately emerged a deserved 6-3 7-6 victor as a result.
Likewise, Djokovic was impressive against David Goffin. The Belgian had been in fine form so far at the Japan Open. After a slow start against Pablo Carreno Busta in the first round, the Belgian got the better of Denis Shapovalov and Hyeon Chung in straight-sets, which suggested he might be able to give Djokovic pause for the first time in the Japanese capital. That illusion was quickly dispelled as Djokovic stormed to a 3-0 lead and did not look back. He had the better of Goffin throughout and was largely untroubled in picking up a 6-3 6-4 win.
The Serbian will surely go into this encounter with real confidence. He has beaten Millman fairly handily in both of their previous contests, although their US Open quarterfinal last season was perhaps closer than the 6-3 6-4 6-4 scoreline would suggest. But Djokovic has not lost to anyone outside the top 50 all year and Millman is currently ranked 80th in the world. The Australian is playing well enough that he may be able to stay with Djokovic long enough to make this competitive. But it is ultimately hard to see any outcome other than a Djokovic win.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
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