2021 ATP Cup Group D – Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori taking place? Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia
When is Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori on and what time does it start? Wednesday 3rd February, 2021 – Not before 08:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori? Visit this link for ticket information
What channel is Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Daniil Medvedev vs Kei Nishikori in the UK? Amazon Prime Video subscribers can stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
DANIIL MEDVEDEV
- World number four Daniil Medvedev was tested a little more than his most recent matches against Diego Schwartzman but still exerted his dominance of that particular match-up in an assured straight-sets win.
- The 24-year-old won four matches at last year’s inaugural ATP Cup as Team Russia made it all the way to the semi-finals and with Andrey Rublev his potential doubles-deciding partner, instead of Karen Khachanov, they are even stronger than they were last year.
KEI NISHIKORI
- 31-year-old Kei Nishikori has struggled with his fitness over the past couple of seasons and only played six tour-level matches in 2020, missing out on last season’s ATP Cup.
- Currently at world number 41, the Japanese star is well capable of getting back to within teach of the top 20 this season if he can gather some momentum although he has not played a competitive match since October.
THE PREDICTION
There is plenty of intrigue around this match simply because we are yet to see what state of fitness and practice Kei Nishikori will be in. The pair share a 2-2 head-to-head record, with each winning a title off of the other in recent years; Medvedev beating Nishikori in Tokyo 2018 and Nishikori winning the Brisbane Open in a reversal a few months later. This could be an electrifying match if Nishikori somehow arrives on court in near is best form, though the unlikelihood of that should see this the world number four put in another assured display as he relishes playing for his country. An entertaining match full of running is in the offing here but Medvedev should come through in straight sets all the same.
