Valentin Vacherot vs Alexander Blockx Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Japan Open

Prediction published on 29/09/2026, 09:35  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 29/09/2026 at 11:00 in Tennis Predictions

Valentin Vacherot is the eighth seed in the Japan Open, but could he be facing a first round exit. He takes on unseeded Alexander Blockx who in this outdoor hard court tournament. Blockx recently reached the last eight of the US Open and our prediction is he will beat his seeded opponent.

In round two of this ATP 500 tournament, the winner will take on either Tomas Martin Etcheverry or qualifier Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Vacherot is the world number 18 and that's nine places above his opponent. It's a key time for him because all the points he earned from winning the Shanghai Masters last year are soon to be defended. Not doing well in Shanghai this year will see him slide down the rankings.

His current form is a worry and last week saw him lose in his opening match in Chengdu to Lloyd Harris who is ranked outside the top 100.

That made it five losses in the last eight matches he's played in singles tournaments.

Alexander Blockx is in good form and last month made it to the last eight of the US Open where he retired in the third set.

He has won 16 of his 24 outdoor hard court matches played this year, compared to Vacherot who has a 10-11 record.