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Nishikori - Muller. ATP Hong Kong match forecast
Nishikori and Muller will meet in the final of the tournament in Hong Kong on January 5. Muller, despite his strengths, is unlikely to be able to counter Nishikori stability and experience. How difficult will the upcoming fight be for Kei? - bets on this fight are in our forecast.
Command Analysis
Kei Nishikori
JapanCurrent form
Nishikori reached the final of the Hong Kong tournament on the refusal of Chungchen Shan, who withdrew from the match at 3-4 in the first set. In 24 minutes of playing time, Kei managed only three aces. Earlier in the tournament, the Japanese player beat Cameron Norrie, Karen Khachanov and Denis Shapovalov.
Professional qualities
Nishikori has shown impressive improvement with each match, demonstrating that age is just a number for him. Despite being 35, he moves around the court so effortlessly that it seems like he is much younger. His movement is one of his key advantages, which allows him to work effectively in defense and quickly switch to attack. However, his strengths do not end there: Kei hits both forehand and backhand shots with equal confidence, which makes his strokes unpredictable and dangerous for his opponents. His style of play is built on powerful attacking actions and, most importantly, on fast combinations that leave opponents with virtually no chance to react.
Current indicators in the tour
Nishikori will return to the top 100 of the world rankings following the competition in Hong Kong. He is currently ranked 106th. Let us recall that Kei once held fourth place in the world rankings. The Japanese player finished last season with a victory at the tournament in Helsinki, where he beat Luke Nardi in the final.
Interesting facts for betting
Nishikori won his last final - he won the tournament in Helsinki last season.
Alexandre Muller
FranceCurrent form
Muller beat Jaume Munyar (4-6, 7-6, 6-4) in the semi-finals of the tournament in Hong Kong. In the match against the Spaniard, Alexander hit four aces, converted two break points and lost two games on his serve. Earlier in the tournament, the Frenchman beat Arthur Fils, Miomir Kecmanovic and Marc-Andre Huesler.
Professional qualities
Müller playing style is difficult to characterize through glaring strengths, but it is his versatility that makes him a difficult opponent. He has a good forehand and an excellent feel for the ball, which allows him to effectively vary his shots and the pace of the game. Alexander demonstrates excellent movement around the court, thanks to which he is in time for most balls and is able to hold long rallies on the baseline. At the same time, he often unexpectedly changes the rhythm of the game, masterfully performing short shots that catch opponents off guard and leave them no chance to hit back. Fast feet and the ability to sense the moment allow the Frenchman to remain stable in long rallies and use even minimal opportunities to intensify the game.
Current indicators in the tour
Muller is currently ranked 67th in the world. All four victories this season for the French tennis player were strong-willed. Last year, let us recall, Alexander won one trophy. He won the clay challenger, which was held in San Marino. In that competition, Muller beat Chung-Chen Cena. For the Frenchman, this was the tenth title in his career.
Interesting facts for betting
Muller last four matches have ended in three sets.
Trends
Rate Set Result: 1>2
In 3 of Nishikori last 5 matches, events on the court have unfolded according to this scenario
2.22Bet Tie-break in the match - yes
This bet has paid off in 3 of Muller 5 previous matches
2.43Tip and bets
Nishikori is in good shape and it is unlikely that the Japanese will miss the opportunity to win his second title in the last six months. Kei, despite his age, moves around the court well and attacks at every opportunity. We believe that Muller has little chance of success in the upcoming match.
Our forecast is Nishikori victory with a handicap of (-3) games at odds of 1.72
Bet on total
Nishikori is the favorite of the match and, as it seems to us, the Japanese will be able to easily win this meeting. Muller is good, but not good enough to withstand the attacking game of the Japanese.
The second forecast is total under 22 games for odds of 1.91
Bet on the first set
Three of Muller last five matches have seen the first set go to fewer than 9.5 games, and his upcoming match against Nishikori is likely to start with a low first set as well.
Forecast - total under 9.5 games in the first set for odds of 1.89
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