2021 Indian Wells Masters Second Round – Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans on and what time does it start? Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans will take place on Saturday 9th October, 2021 – not before 19:00 (UK)
Where is Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans taking place? Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA
What surface is Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans being played on? Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans
What channel is Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans on? Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans will be televised on the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs
Where can I stream Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Kei Nishikori vs Daniel Evans live via their platform. Subscribers of Tennis TV can also stream the match live
THE LOWDOWN
31-year-old Kei Nishikori dropped a surprise first set to Joao Sousa on Thursday but the Japanese star recovered well to win through in three. The former world number four is currently ranked at 53rd after a tricky season back on tour following a long injury lay-off but his extended period of fitness so far is the real prize for 2021. Nishikori was a quarter-finalist here twice before but he has yet to win a Masters tournament with 12 ATP titles in total. Dan Evans, also 31, enters Indian Wells at a career-high 22nd in the world after an impressive run to the round of 16 at the US Open last month. The British number one lost to compatriot Cam Norrie last week at the San Diego Open after a strong opening win over Kevin Anderson.
THE PREDICTION
Kei Nishikori beat Dan Evans at this stage of Indian Wells back in 2017 when the Japanese was at the height of his powers but their head-to-head record sits at 3-1 with Evans taking their first ever meeting way back in 2013. A five-set epic went the way of Nishikori in their most recent meeting at last year’s Roland-Garros on clay and this match looks set to come as close once again if Evans can find his US Open form. On ability, Nishikori is still very much a top 30 player hidden behind his current ranking and this should be an exciting clash indeed on Saturday. Take this match to see three sets with that Roland-Garros epic a useful benchmark here and leave a winner up to chance.
