Kei Nishikori vs Juncheng Shang Preview & Prediction | 2026 Washington Open (Mubadala DC Open) | First Round
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Kei Nishikori faces Juncheng Shang in the first-round of the Washington Open.
Ranking points: ATP 500
Start date/time:
Venue: William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, Washington, USA
Surface: Outdoor hard
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Kei Nishikori vs Juncheng Shang ticket information
Kei Nishikori vs Juncheng Shang prediction
Kei Nishikori, who is set to retire at the end of the season, received a wildcard to compete in the main draw of the Washington Open. He won this tournament 11 years ago, coming from a set down to beat John Isner in the final. He has not played since April, and this will also be his first appearance on the ATP Tour this season.
He takes on Juncheng Shang in the first-round. The 21-year-old is also making his return, having not featured since a straight sets loss to Daniil Medvedev in Dubai back in February. His season began promisingly as he advanced to the quarter-finals of the Hong Kong Open, but ongoing injury problems are holding Shang back from reaching his full potential.
Nishikori leads the head-to-head 2-1. The veteran will hope to produce a strong display in his farewell season, but neither player can be viewed as a clear favourite given their fitness concerns, and a deciding set would come as little surprise.
Kei Nishikori vs Juncheng Shang tip: Both players to win a set
