2019 Wimbledon Championships – Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer taking place? All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London
When is Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer on and what time does it start? Wednesday 10th July, 2019 – (not before) 13:00 (UK)
What is the expected weather for Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer? Cloudy, with a chance of showers and slightly humid with a temperature around 24c
What channel is Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer on? Matches will air on BBC1, BBC2 and BBC Red Button throughout the tournament
Where can I stream Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer? BBC iPlayer / BBC Sport website / BBC Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Kei Nishikori vs Roger Federer?
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THE LOWDOWN
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Roger Federer 7-3 Kei Nishikori
Last meeting: Kei Nishikori beat Roger Federer 7-6, 6-3
KEI NISHIKORI
- Kei Nishikori beat Mikhail Kukushkin for a ninth time in his career in their round of 16 match in four sets to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon for a second successive year.
- The Japanese number one dropped his first set of the tournament to Kazakhstan’s Kukushkin in the round of 16 but while he has looked in excellent form, he has had a favourable draw until now.
- Nishikori will now face another familiar opponent in Roger Federer whom he has beaten on three occasions out of their total of ten meetings, including their last encounter at the ATP Finals last year.
ROGER FEDERER
- Swiss number one Roger Federer completely outclassed an excellent player in Matteo Berrettini to win their round of 16 match comfortably in straight sets.
- The seven-time Wimbledon champion is improving with every match and, save losing the opening set of this campaign to Lloyd Harris, has had his serve broken just once by Lucas Pouille in the third round.
- 37-year-old Federer will face Kei Nishikori for the first time at Wimbledon but has a healthy 7-3 lead in career head-to-head record, winning their only meeting on grass at Halle 2014 and at a Grand Slam at the 2017 Australian Open.
THE PREDICTION
There can be little doubt over the winner of this match with Roger Federer sharpening himself up with each round to within reach of the peak of his powers, but Kei Nishikori has had an excellent Wimbledon campaign and will be his first challenge. The Japanese number one is an underrated defender with an excellent return of serve but he has been held back in the past by fitness issues, and perhaps a tendency to doubt himself against the elite. Indeed, Nishikori beat Federer in their previous meeting last year at the ATP Finals when the pressure was slightly off but there is no higher amount of pressure than facing the Swiss in the latter stages of Wimbledon. He could, emphasis on the could, win a set but this stage of a Grand Slam appears to be Nishikori’s glass ceiling until the 'Big Three' retire.
