2021 Italian Open First Round – Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini taking place? Foro Italico, Rome, Italy
When is Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini on and what time does it start? Monday 10th May, 2021 – Not before 10:20 (UK)
What surface is Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini being played on? Clay (outdoor)
Where can I get tickets for Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Kei Nishikori vs Fabio Fognini in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream the match live on Prime Video. Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
World number 45 Kei Nishikori could well have progressed further in Madrid last week had he not met the unstoppable force of eventual champion Alexander Zverev in the second round but the Japanese star should be proud of his recent performances. The 31-year-old fought back from a set down to bet Kareen Khachanov last week via three tough tiebreaks and it will take something like Zverev in his best form to push Nishikori off the court right now. World number 28 Fabio Fognini is not in the same headspace and has won just one of four matches since the Monte-Carlo Masters title he failed to defend as he exited in the quarter-finals last month. The firebrand Italian has made the quarter-finals here once before but this looks a tough ask early on Monday with crowds likely to be thin for his support. Nishikori leads their head-to-head record 2-1 and has won their only clay-court meeting to date at the 2016 Madrid Open so take him to win at least a set here.
