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by Lou Aguila in Tennis Picks
Former US Open runner-up and top-5 player Kei Nishikori of Japan will clash with Mitchell Krueger of the United States for the spot in the second round of the 2025 US Clay Court Championship.
Nishikori is looking to carry over the momentum he gained after winning three matches in a row to reach the quarterfinal of the Phoenix Challenger. The 35-year-old Japanese had defeated two top-100 players, Luca Nardi and Flavio Cabolli, before losing to Brazilian rising star Joao Fonseca in the round of 8, 6-3 6-3. Nishikori posted his only win at Indian Wells against Jaume Munar Clar of Spain 6-2 5-7 7-6(3) in the first round. He did not participate in this year's Miami Open.
Krueger reached the main draw of the US Men's Clay Court Championship after topping Toby Alex Kodat 5-7 3-1 ret. and Patrick Zahraj of Germany 6-7(5) 5-3 ret. in the qualifiers. Krueger carries a 7-8 record this year, spending most of the time in ITF/Challenger level tournaments.
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Kei Nishikori vs Mitchell Krueger Form
Kei Nishikori and Mitchell Krueger Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
3/6 (50%)
Mar 15, 2025 - Phoenix, USA, China, Qualifying
Mar 14, 2025 - Phoenix, USA, China, Qualifying
Mar 13, 2025 - Phoenix, USA, China, Qualifying
Mar 12, 2025 - Phoenix, USA, China, Qualifying
Mar 7, 2025 - ATP Indian Wells
Mar 5, 2025 - ATP Indian Wells
0/6 (0%)
6/6 (100%)
Mar 30, 2025 - ATP Houston
Mar 29, 2025 - ATP Houston
Mar 17, 2025 - ATP Miami
Mar 10, 2025 - Phoenix, USA, China, Qualifying
Mar 3, 2025 - ATP Indian Wells
Feb 26, 2025 - ATP Challenger San Diego, USA, Men Singles
Kei Nishikori - Mitchell Krueger Key Points
- Kei Nishikori reached the quarterfinal of the 2025 Phoenix Challenger.
- Kei Nishikori is a three-time French Open quarterfinalist.
- Mitchell Krueger defeated Patrick Zahraj 6-7(5) 5-3 ret. to reach the main draw of the 2025 US Men’s Clay Court Championship.
- Mitchell Krueger is 0-1 in his head-to-head with Kei Nishikori.
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Our Kei Nishikori vs Mitchell Krueger Prediction
He may be 35 years old already, but I believe Nishikori is still significantly better than Krueger, who ranks No. 141 in the world. A three-time French Open quarterfinalist, Nishikori parades a clay court record of 137-62 or a 68.8 percent win rate. The Japanese holds a 10-7 record this season and has never lost to a player outside the ATP top 100 this year. Meanwhile, Krueger faces the daunting task of taking down Nishikori since he only has 18 wins in 58 matches against a top-100 player. Our betting prediction for Kei Nishikori vs. Mitchell Krueger: Kei Nishikori to cover -4.5 games.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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