2021 US Open First Round – Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori taking place? Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori on and what time does it start? Tuesday 31st August, 2021 – not before 16:00 (UK)
What surface is Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori being played on? Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori
What channel is Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori on in the UK? Amazon have exclusive rights to show the 2021 US Open in the UK so it is worth checking the Amazon Prime Video app on smart TVs for Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori
Where can I stream Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Salvatore Caruso vs Kei Nishikori live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
SALVATORE CARUSO
28-year-old Salvatore Caruso enjoyed his best season on tour last year but the Italian has a pore 4-16 record for 2021 and he carries a nine-match losing streak into the US Open. Caruso matches his best Grand Slam finish last year with a third round exit to Andrey Rublev here.
KEI NISHIKORI
31-year-old Kei Nishikori returned from a long injury lay-off earlier this year with a goal to re-join the top 10. He has enjoyed some strong performances this season but that goal looks to be a little too far away now, although run to the semi-finals of the Citi Open proved he is still a dangerous opponent. The former world number five finished runner-up to Marin Cilic here in 2014 in what is his best Grand Slam showing to date. 10 of his total 12 ATP titles have come on his favoured hard surface.
THE PREDICTION
This match should be a procession for Kei Nishikori if the Japanese star is fit enough to play after withdrawing from the Canadian Open three weeks ago. The 31-year-old made the Washington Open finals in the tournament before that with great wins over the likes of Alexander Bublik, Cam Norrie and Lloyd Harris in keeping with a solid level of tennis since his return to the tour from a long injury lay-off at the start of the year. It should take a player in better form and of a higher level to oust former US Open finalist Nishikori here and he will be well-backed by fans to win this in straight sets.
