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Kei Nishikori faces a potentially tricky second-round match-up at the Australian Open against American Austin Krajicek. Join The Roar for live scores from 11am (AEDT).
2014 US Open runner-up Nishikori impressed in his first-round victory over experienced German Phillip Kohlschreiber, and he will need to maintain his good form against Krajicek.
In the only meeting between the pair, in Memphis last season, Nishikori was forced to dig deep before eventually prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Krajicek is a solid player who possesses a reliable double-handed backhand, coupled with good court movement.
Nishikori however is on another level when it comes to court coverage and groundstrokes. The Japanese star has improved his groundstroke speed immeasurably over the past few years, as evidenced by his superb victory over Novak Djokovic at the 2014 US Open.
At his best, Nishikori has what it takes to go deep into the second week of the Australian Open, with Djokovic yet again looming in a potential quarter-final.
The biggest challenge for Krajicek will be to nullify Nishikori’s double-handed backhand. It is a reliable weapon for Nishikori, with the Japanese player possessing the ability to hit it down the line or crosscourt for easy winners.
Nishikori’s play at the net is also solid. Overall, Nishikori’s serve is the only area of his game players can target, and it’s what Krajicek will go after.
Other than that, Nishikori’s impressive form in the first round should carry over against Krajicek via a straight-sets win.