Quarterfinal day at the ATP Japan Open features some mouth-watering clashes and showcases some of the world’s best players. World #1 Novak Djokovic continues his debut here in Tokyo as he takes on Lucas Pouille in the quarterfinals. Taro Daniel and Yasutka Uchiyama are the only two Japanese in the field and the spotlight is on them to be the first Japanese champion since Nishikori won in 2012. Who will prevail?
ATP Japan Open Quarterfinal Predictions
John Millman vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: Daniel leads 1-0
A rather unexpected quarterfinal match-up, but expect a close encounter as both players have been playing well. Millman has already won five consecutive matches here in Tokyo this week- coming through qualifying. Even though Daniel has only played two matches, he did have to upset the #2 seed Borna Coric and follow it up by beating an in-form Jordan Thompson. But the way Millman has been using his momentum should eventually get him through to the semifinals much to the crowd’s dismay.
Prediction: Millman in 3
David Goffin vs Hyeon Chung
Head-to-head: Goffin leads 2-1
After beating Marin Cilic in the previous round, Chung described the victory as the one of best of his career. The big question is whether the 23-year-old Korean can string back-to-back upsets and beat the current world #15 David Goffin.
It should be a close match as both players have been playing well the past few months. But Chung has also played two consecutive three-setters, so physically he could be feeling it. Expect a three set thriller but it is hard to go against Goffin, who is the steadier and more consistent out of the two.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Reilly Opelka vs Yasutka Uchiyama
Head-to-head: First meeting
Uchiyama’s dream run at his home tournament continues as starting from the qualifying rounds, he has now reached his maiden ATP 500 quarterfinal. His opponent, Opelka, has already beaten Taylor Fritz and Gilles Simon back-to-back, and has only been broken once on his serve all week. With that form, it is hard to go against Opelka. Uchiyama will be hoping Opelka has an off-day and that the Tokyo crowd will give him the energy and support he will most definitely need. However, it is hard to go against the the 22-year-old American, who has been serving so well all week and is for sure a dark horse to make it all the way.
Prediction: Opelka in 2
Novak Djokovic vs Lucas Pouille
Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 2-0
Lucas Pouille, after his semifinal run at the Australian Open, has struggled with results for the majority of the season. However, the Frenchman looks in good form and is yet to drop a set all week. Likewise, Djokovic has been looking sharp and is also yet to drop a set. However, the Frenchman has yet to a take set off the world #1 in their previous two meetings, and he will need to believe that the momentum he has right now can push Djokovic somehow. But it is hard to see how he can challenge Djokovic in any way.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
