There aren’t many Top 10 players at the Japan Open but a lot of Top 20-25 players. This means a lot of close matches and exciting tennis for the fans. Day 2 at the ATP 500 in Tokyo is stacked, and this article features the #3 seed, Casper Ruud, and defending champion, Ben Shelton. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for every match on the slate for Day 2. We split the rest of the day’s matches between two other articles–featuring Marin Cilic vs Kei Nishikori and Taylor Fritz vs Arthur Fils. But who will advance?
ATP Tokyo Day 2 Predictions
Frances Tiafoe vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-Head: Tiafoe 4-0 Nakashima
Frances Tiafoe is in brilliant form and he showcased that at the Laver Cup. He defeated Daniil Medvedev and was extremely close to defeating Alexander Zverev. Tiafoe is a former finalist at this event and also made the quarterfinals last year. Brandon Nakashima has won a lot of matches this year and has a chance to beat Tiafoe for the first time. Tiafoe has dominated this matchup but I have concerns over his commitment level this week. I might end up being completely wrong though.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Ben Shelton vs Reilly Opelka
Head-to-Head: Shelton 1-0 Opelka
Ben Shelton played fantastic tennis at the Laver Cup and displayed great maturity in his game. He was patient in rallies and was serving brilliantly. Shelton spent a lot of time on the court and played some long matches which must have exhausted him. The jet lag from a long journey will also affect his recovery. However, Opelka won’t trouble him much outside his big serving and Shelton can match that as he showed in their last meeting. Shelton also has the mental advantage of having won this tournament last year. It might come down to tiebreaks again and I expect Shelton to be more clutch.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Tommy Paul vs Matteo Arnaldi
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Tommy Paul hasn’t played since the US Open and should be fresh and ready to play some great tennis this week. The Americans have dominated the Japan Open over the years and Tommy Paul has a great chance to add his name, amongst the winners of this prestigious tournament. The conditions are suited for his attacking tennis and I don’t think Matteo Arnaldi can trouble him enough.
Prediction: Paul in 2
Casper Ruud vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-Head: Ruud 3-2 Thompson
Casper Ruud was horrible in his singles match at the Laver Cup but a great performance in the last doubles match should have given him some confidence boost. Ruud does not have a good record here, winning just one match in two appearances. He faces a tough opponent in the form of Jordan Thompson, who will like the fast court speeds. Thompson defeated Alexander Zverev here last year and lost to the eventual champion, Ben Shelton. Ruud’s serve and forehand have to be on fire to win this.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Main Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
