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World No.6 Kei Nishikori faces a tricky French Open second round match-up against talented Russian Andrey Kuznetsov. Join The Roar for live scores from 7pm (AEST).
Nishikori was impressive as he dismantled big serving Italian Simone Bolelli in the first-round but will have to improve if he is to get the better of Kuznetsov.
The Russian has enjoyed a good start to the season, making the fourth round of the Australian Open before falling to Gael Monfils.
Kuznetsov is an aggressive baseliner and certainly possesses the power to trouble Nishikori on clay – particularly if he finds his range with the forehand.
Indeed the Russian prevailed in his only match-up against the Japanese star, but that was way back in 2010, before Nishikori had truly established himself and has to retire due to injury at Eastbourne.
Nishikori now stands as one of the elite players on the ATP tour and certainly has form on the board that could see him go deep into the second week at Roland Garros.
However, he can ill afford to underestimate Kuznetsov. The Russian is one of the few unseeded players in the men’s draw that possesses the potential to cause trouble against the top seeds.
Prediction
Given Kuznetsov’s talent, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Nishikori drop a set en route to securing a tough win. It will take a good performance from the former US Open finalist to secure passage to the French Open third round.
Nishikori in four sets.
Be sure to join The Roar for live scores of this match from 7pm (AEST).