ATP Tokyo Day 4 predictions, including Thompson vs. Nishikori

On the fourth day of the ATP event in Tokyo, the round of 16 will feature two home players in action; two-time champion Kei Nishikori, looking to climb back up the rankings after a long injury layoff, and Yoshihito Nishioka, who scored an epic victory in the first round, saving match points against Felix Auger-Aliassime. It should be a very exciting day of tennis for the home crowd, full of high quality tennis and exciting matches.

ATP Tokyo Day 4 Predictions

Holger Rune against Yoshihito Nishioka

Head-to-head: Rune 1-1 Nishioka

Rune struggled greatly in 2024 and his results in late 2022 and early 2023 fell far short of the high expectations he had set for himself. He has lost many games against lower ranked players and faces another very difficult challenge here in Nishioka. Although the Japanese player lacks big weapons, he can be a nightmare to play against if you don't feel confident with your groundstrokes, as he generally doesn't beat himself and forces you to hit winning shots. If Nishioka plays at home, he could add to Rune's problems here.
Forecast: Nishioka in 3

Tomas Machac vs Tommy Paul

Head-to-head: first meeting

This event has been dominated by Americans for the past two years and Paul will try to keep that tradition going here. He's been on the cusp of breaking into the top 10 for some time now and a big success here would bring him even closer to that goal. He looked impressive in his opening game and should be able to continue his run here.
Forecast: Paul in II

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Christopher O'Connell vs. Alex Michelsen

Head-to-head: first meeting

Michelsen steadily rose up the rankings and scored an impressive victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the opening round. He now has a very winnable second round on paper and should be able to continue his run here. He was unlucky to face Sinner in both Cincinnati and the US Open, but was generally solid against lower-ranked players he is expected to beat.
Forecast: Michelsen in the 3rd

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Jordan Thompson vs. Kei Nishikori

Head-to-head: Nishikori 3-1 Thompson

Ten years later, Nishikori scored a fantastic first round victory over Marin Cilic in a rematch of the 2014 US Open final. He played very good tennis at times and showed that he still has the potential to be a top player. As always in his career, the big question mark is not his ability, but rather his endurance. If he can maintain the level he showed in his opening game, he should be able to defeat Thompson, even if he is having the best season of his career.
Forecast: Nishikori in 3

Main photo credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports