Most of the attention of the tennis world is directed at the Olympics, but it should be an entertaining final at the ATP Atlanta Open on Sunday. Jordan Thompson takes on Yoshihito Nishoka with both finding their form back this week. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Atlanta Final Prediction
Jordan Thompson vs Yoshihito Nishoka
Head-to-head: Nishioka 5-1
This year had been a free fall ranking-wise for Yoshihito Nishioka, but now he actually has a shot at returning to the Top 50. Especially vital was that win over Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals, the first time the Japanese took down a Top 30 player this year.
Jordan Thompson’s improvements over the years have been fantastic to witness and it all culminated in him picking up his maiden ATP Tour title in Los Cabos earlier this year. Since then he had lost a bit of edge though and just like Nishioka, it wasn’t until this week that he started properly firing again.
That massive lead head-to-head is a factor that can’t be underestimated. While Thompson is so much better these days than at the time of most of their matches, it remains true that he would rather face a lefty with a playstyle more like his semifinal opponent, Juncheng Shang. The more aggressive Chinese threw everything at Thompson and usually ended up making the error due to his opponent’s excellent grinding skills.
Here, the Australian will likely need to abuse that serve advantage he has over Nishioka in order to win. But the 28-year-old has been excellent at outmaneuvering more powerful players all week. If he can utilize the lefty spin to neutralize his opponent’s ability to attack and rush the net, he might be able to extend that head-to-head lead even further. After all, even with all the improvements he’s made it’s not that easy for Thompson to take over with the forehand when the ball is deep and spinny.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
