Day 4 at the ATP event in Tokyo will feature the conclusion of the Round of 16, with two home players in action; two-time champion Kei Nishikori looking to get back up the rankings after injuries sidelined him for a long time, and Yoshihito Nishioka, who had an epic first-round win, saving match points against Felix Auger-Aliassime. It should be a very exciting day of tennis for the home crowd, full of high quality tennis and tight matches.
ATP Tokyo Day 4 Predictions
Holger Rune vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head-to-head: Rune 1-1 Nishioka
Rune has been struggling a lot in 2024, performing way below the lofty expectations he had set for himself with his results in late 2022 and early 2023. He has been losing many matches to lower ranked players and he faces another very tough challenge in Nishioka here. While the Japanese player lacks any big weapons, he can be a nightmare to play against if you’re not feeling confident in your groundstrokes as he will generally not beat himself and force you to hit winners. Playing at home, Nishioka might well add to Rune’s woes here.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Tomas Machac vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: first meeting
This event has been dominated by Americans in the past two years and Paul will be looking to keep that tradition going here. He’s been on the cusp of the Top 10 for quite a while now and a big run here would get him even closer to that goal. He looked impressive in his opening match and should be able to continue his run here.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Christopher O’Connell vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-head: first meeting
Michelsen has been steadily rising up the rankings and scored an impressive win over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round. He now has on paper a very winnable second round and should be able to continue his run here. He was unlucky to face Sinner at both Cincinnati and the US Open, but has generally been solid against lower ranked players that he’s expected to beat.
Prediction: Michelsen in 3
Jordan Thompson vs Kei Nishikori
Head-to-head: Nishikori 3-1 Thompson
Nishikori scored a fantastic first round win over Marin Cilic in a rematch of the 2014 US Open final 10 years later. He played some very good tennis at times, showing that he still has the ability to be a top player. As always during his career though, it’s not his ability but his durability that is the big question mark. If he can maintain the level he showed in his opening match, he should be able to overcome Thompson, even if the latter is having the best season of his career.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
