Shelton vs Opelka, Tsitsipas vs Michelsen

The ATP 500 in Tokyo will heat up on Thursday when Ben Shelton and Reilly Opelka take to the court. His American compatriot Alex Michelsen will also face Stefanos Tsitsipas.

(PR) Reilly Opelka vs. (8) Ben Shelton

It will be an all-American showdown when Shelton and Opelka face each other for the second time in their careers on Thursday afternoon at the Japan Open. They faced each other this summer at the Cincinnati Masters and the result was predictable – Shelton prevailed 7-6(3), 7-6(3) in a match that featured no breaks of serve.

Opelka's comeback after nearly two full seasons away from the sport was encouraging, but he is certainly not at Shelton's level. Plus, Shelton is the defending champion in Tokyo, and that can only boost his current confidence. The only real concern for the world No. 17 is a heavy workload at the Laver Cup last weekend. Last year, however, was the same, and Shelton got right back into the swing of things to lift the Tokyo trophy. With three full days off after his impressive performance at the Laver Cup, Shelton should begin his title defense in a relatively routine manner.

Selection: Shelton in 2

(Q) Alex Michelsen vs. (4) Stefanos Tsitsipas

After a disappointing 2024 season so far, Tsitsipas is on the home stretch of the Nitto ATP Finals (currently ranked 12th). The Greek has really done himself no favors of late, losing in the second round of Wimbledon, the Montreal Masters and the Cincinnati Masters before a first-round exit at the US Open. Since the Paris Olympics, Tsitsipas has won just two matches – and one of them was a borderline exhibition match at the Laver Cup.

First up, the 26-year-old will face Michelsen, whom he has never played before, in Tokyo on Thursday. Given his recent form, Michelsen is more than capable of exploiting a vulnerable opponent. The 20-year-old American finished runner-up in Newport and Winston-Salem, reached the quarterfinals in Washington, DC, and advanced one round at the US Open before losing to eventual champion Jannik Sinner. A fast surface also helps Michelsen more than Tsitsipas, so this has the makings of an upset.

Tip: Michelsen in 3