Day 2 of the ATP Japan Open in Tokyo is stacked with 12 exciting first-round matches. One of the most intriguing matches is between two long-time rivals, Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori. This article features their prediction alongside three other matches. We split the rest of the day’s matches between two other articles–featuring Casper Ruud vs Jordan Thompson and Taylor Fritz vs Arthur Fils. Who will advance to the next round?
ATP Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-Head: Auger-Aliassime 4-2 Nishioka
Felix Auger-Aliassime was brilliant in the three matches he played at the Davis Cup. This is the time of the season when the Canadian plays his best tennis and should like the fast and smooth courts of the Japan Open. The same can be said about Nishioka as he loves the quick courts and playing at home makes him even more dangerous. Auger-Aliassime has won the last four meetings between these two and I expect him to make it five. However, it won’t be easy.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Alexei Popyrin vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-Head: Popyrin 2-1 Machac
Alexei Popyrin is playing the best tennis of his career and has won 11 of his last 15 matches. He is fresh and will look to make a deep run this week. Popyrin made the quarterfinals at the Japan Open in 2023 so he should be aware of the conditions. Tomas Machac had to retire in both of his Davis Cup matches, one of them coming against Popyrin. So his fitness would be a concern. If he is not 100%, it will be almost impossible to win against Popyrin. I am going with the Australian.
Prediction: Popyrin in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Stefanos Tsitsipas enjoyed a great weekend at the Laver Cup. He played one of his best matches this year against Thanasi Kokkinakis and looked in good spirits. However, the court speed is much faster here at the Japan Open, making Tsitsipas’ game more vulnerable. Alex Michelsen has the game to exploit it with his accurate serve and patient point-building. Michelsen also has the advantage of having played two matches already in qualifying.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Marin Cilic vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-Head: Ciic 6-9 Nishikori
Not many people would have anticipated seeing this matchup in 2024, yet here it is. 16 years after their first match, Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori will battle for the 16th time against each other. They have fought for big finals but this is only their third time meeting in the first round of a tournament. Cilic made history last week by winning the Hangzhou Open title but might be tired. Nishikori is a two-time Japan Open champion and will like his chances against his great rival. The Croatian’s serve has been on fire but Nishikori has the return to make it awkward for Cilic. I am going with the local superstar.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
