Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin Preview & Prediction | 2023 Japan Open Tennis Championships | Quarter-Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
When is Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin on and what time does it start? Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on Friday 20th October, 2023 – not before 11:20 (UK)
Where is Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin taking place? Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin will take place at Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan
What surface is Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin being played on? Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin will take place on an outdoor hard court
Where can I get tickets for Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin? Click here for the latest ticket information for Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin
What channel is Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin on in the UK? Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin will be televised live on the Amazon Prime Video app on Smart TVs
Where can I stream Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin in the UK? Amazon Prime subscribers can stream Shintaro Mochizuki vs Alexei Popyrin live on the Prime Video app, while Tennis TV subscribers can also stream the match live
THE PREDICTION
20-year-old qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki fought back from a first-set bagel to stun defending Japan Open champion Taylor Fritz on Thursday, thrilling home crowds in Tokyo. The Japanese will set a new career-high ATP world ranking of around 168th for his efforts, backing up his maiden tour-level victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Tuesday, and his star could rise still in Tokyo with plenty of attention on him now as the last remaining home player. World number 41 Alexei Popyrin came back from a set down too to oust the always unpredictable Cristian Garin on Thursday, backing-up an excellent opener over Karen Khachanov. The Aussie also stunned Taylor Fritz on home soil with a remarkable five-setter at the Australian Open back in January which signalled the start of a return to form after his truly woeful 2022.
24-year-old Popyrin should be considered the firm favourite on ability in this first meeting with Mochizuki but he is no stranger to a three-set battle, suggesting backing the qualifier to earn at least a set could be as shrewd as it is sentimental. The suitably cautious pick, though, is taking Popyrin to earn at least one as the likelier victor. You could also add at least a tiebreak with three played in their combined four matches so far.
