Everyone already knows good Kei Nishikori is. He ranks No. 5 in the world and is well known for having such a fearsome forehand shot. But his determination and passion to win is currently what opponents’ should really take note of.
The Japanese managed to reach the third round of the 2016 Wimbledon Championships despite playing with sore ribs. And his last match—versus Julien Benneteau in the second round—proved to be the most challenging one thus far.
To be more precise, Nishikori got off to a slow start and eventually ended up losing the first set, 4-6. From that point on though, things changed as the 26-year-old professional responded with a barrage of baseline hits and numerous drives which eventually catapulted him to the come-from-behind victory.
Andey Kuznetsov’s biggest edge is the fact that he gets to enter this match with the pressure mostly on his opponent, Kei Nishikori. And as the lanky-looking Russian carries that nothing-to-lose attitude onto the playing court, he will also be bringing with him some momentum from his impressive second-round win (6-3, 6-4, 6-4) against Gilles Muller.
In that match, Kuznetsov showcased his full repertoire, winning more than 80 percent of his first serve and net points, converting 74 percent of his second serve points and blasting in a total of 42 winners. Another all-around effort like this should cause a handful of trouble to Nishikori.
Writer’s Prediction: Nishikori (-600) starts off slow, but he finds a way again to finish off his opponent after four tight sets.
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