2021 US Open Second Round – Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald taking place? Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald on and what time does it start? Thursday 2nd September, 2021 – not before 20:15 (UK)
What surface is Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald being played on? Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald
What channel is Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald 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 Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald
Where can I stream Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Kei Nishikori vs Mackenzie McDonald live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori got his 2021 campaign underway with an ultimately comfortable four-set win over Salvatore Caruso on Tuesday. The Japanese star is at his best on a hard court, where he has won 10 of his total 12 ATP titles across an excellent career so far. It may always feel like a what if, though, after losing to Marin Cilic in the 2014 US Open final. World number 61 Mackenzie McDonald is close to his career-best ATP world ranking of 57th achieved in 2019 after a strong August in which he reached a first ATP 500 final in Washington. The 26-year-old beat an out-of-sorts David Goffin in straight sets on Tuesday, in keeping with his great recent form.
THE PREDICTION
Mackenzie McDonald at a Grand Slam is a different animal to Mackenzie McDonald on tour, although the 26-year-old will be feeling confident ahead of this big clash after beating Kei Nishikori in the Washington Open semi-finals last month. McDonald went on to lose to Jannik Sinner there but the American will be well-backed once again in New York and with five sets to play with he could almost be favourite here on both players’ recent form, However, 31-year-old Nishikori also has a renowned penchant for winning five-set matches on tour. He has struggled to string good performances together this season but there is still plenty left in him near the top of the game and this looks a difficult result to call. McDonald in four sets or Nishikori in five sets would be the ideal statement to make here, but take both players to win a set and leave the winner up to chance.
