2021 US Open Third Round – Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
Where is Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori taking place? Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori will take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, New York, USA
When is Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori on and what time does it start? Saturday 4th September, 2021 – not before 18:30 (UK)
What surface is Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori being played on? Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori
What channel is Novak Djokovic 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 Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori
Where can I stream Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers may be able to stream Novak Djokovic vs Kei Nishikori live via their platform
THE LOWDOWN
World number one Novak Djokovic was dominative in a straight-set win over Tallon Griekspoor on Thursday evening. The 34-year-old has won three US Open titles and claimed his 20th overall at Wimbledon in July to equal the record with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. With neither player here, Djokovic is not only chasing a second calendar slam but a chance to have the undisputed best Grand Slam record in Men’s tennis. 31-year-old Kei Nishikori is a popular former finalist in New York, where he finished runner-up to Marin Cilic in 2014. The Japanese star made a big comeback from injury this season with the former world number five’s long-term goal to re-join the top 10. Nishikori extended his own incredible five-set winning record to 27-7 in another lengthy epic with Mackenzie McDonald to reach the third round.
THE PREDICTION
Novak Djokovic looks to have improved greatly from his opening match, where he let a shaky set slip to Holger Rune with the crowd heavily backing the underdog. A very well taken post-match interview with the 34-year-old after beating Griekspoor should warm him to the US Open crowd but he will still have to play some of the villain against former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori. However, Nishikori’s head-to-head record with Djokovic is one of the most one-sided in the sport, with the Serb leading 17-2, including each of the last 16 meetings. Djokovic completely trounced the Japanese star at the Tokyo Olympic Games, spoiling the party there to the tune of just two games and no matter how gutsy Nishikori has been so far it looks like another straight-set win for the world number one.
