Kei Nishikori returns to the All England Club today to play against Santiago Giraldo of Columbia in the second round at Wimbledon. Join The Roar from 12:00am (AEST) to find out whether the 5th seed can progress.
After coming through a tough five setter for the second year in a row at Wimbledon against Simone Bolelli of Italy, it is fair to say Nishikori will be looking to get through this match quickly.
However, Giraldo will be no easy beat. In the first round, he made easy work of his opponent Joao Souza 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 looking ominous for in his first appearance on grass.
Nishikori has had a fantastic year so far as he makes his way up the rankings. After a runner-up appearance at the US Open last year, Nishikori has made the quarter finals in both the Australian Open and the French Open this year.
Although on Monday the 5th seed struggled to maintain his composure and his consistency across the five sets. The Japanese player served just 59 per cent of first serves and won just 68 per cent on the second serve. His struggle was also highlighted by his ability to convert just five of 12 break point opportunities and his 37 per cent success rate on receiving points.
Consequently, Nishikori may, in the eyes of many tennis players, be slightly vulnerable at The Championships of 2015. Although Santiago Giraldo must step up his game if he is going to give himself any chance at claiming victory.
Giraldo has suffered at Grand Slams in 2015 reaching the second round at the Australian Open and French Open. However the Columbian has reached the semi-finals at the Brasil Open and the Geneva Open and made quarter final appearances in Istanbul and Houston.
No matter his previous form, Nishikori on grass is a different proposition and the Columbian will need all the help he can get if he is to knock of the 5th seed.
Prediction:
Nishikori to bounce back and win in three sets.
Can the 5th seed advance to the third round? Join The Roar from 12:00am for live scores to find out.
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