Tennis Prediction Kei Nishikori vs Michael Antonius: US Open

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• Yesterday, Kei Nishikori defeated Sebastian Ofner 6-1 2-6 6-2. This is his first qualification win in New York since 2007, and it's the best player this draw will offer him.

• On the other side, Michael Antonius is a young 16-year-old American prodigy, ranked 691st in the world, who received a WC to play in NYC. His 20 wins for 6 losses this season have all come on the M15 circuit, the first rung of the pro tour.

• Nishikori is retiring at the end of the year. This is his last US Open, the one where he played the final in 2014. I really struggle to see him lose this match.

• But be careful nonetheless, Nishikori is an aging player, 36 years old. In recent seasons, with him, it's never been his tennis that has let go, it's his body.

• And that's exactly why I'm also taking the extra set. He no longer cruises as easily as before: 6 of his last 10 matches have gone 3 sets, and his last straight-sets win dates back to April.