Japan Open 2024: Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils preview, head-to-head, prediction, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils
Date: September 27, 2024
Tournament: Japan Open 2024
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Ariake Coliseum, Tokyo, Japan
Category: ATP 500
Surface: Hard (Outdoor)
Prize Money: $1,818,380
Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky Sports | Canada - DAZN
Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils preview
Matteo Berrettini will lock horns with Arthur Fils in the second round of the 2024 Japan Open on Friday, September 27.
Berrettini entered Tokyo with an impressive 25-7 match record this season despite missing parts of it due to injury and rehabilitation. He's won three titles so far in Marrakesh, Gstaad, and Kitzbühel, and also reached the finals in Stuttgart.
His last appearance was at the US Open, where he defeated Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the first round before losing to eventual finalist and 12th seed Taylor Fritz in the subsequent round. He opened his campaign in Tokyo with a routine 6-3, 6-4 win over qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp in the first round.
Fils, meanwhile, entered the Japanese capital with a 27-23 win-loss record this season. He won his second and arguably biggest title at the Hamburg Open, seeing off Alexander Zverev in a thrilling three-set match.
His form has significantly dipped in the second half of the season, however, especially since the start of the North American hardcourt swing. He lost in the first round in Montreal and then suffered consecutive second-round defeats in Cincinnati and New York.
Fils kicked off his campaign in Tokyo against top seed Fritz. In a gripping battle from the baseline, the French youngster emerged victorious, securing a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win.
Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils head-to-head
Matteo Berrettini and Arthur Fils have yet to face off on the tour so their head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils odds
(Odds to be added once available)
Matteo Berrettini vs Arthur Fils prediction
Matteo Berrettini looked in great form in his opener despite stumbling upon a couple of tricky situations. He won 71% of points on his first serve, hit 7 aces, and was effective on return, winning 30 out of 65 return points and converting 4 out of 8 break-point opportunities. He recorded 22 winners in comparison to 24 unforced errors.
Arthur Fils, on the contrary, faced a tough challenger in his opener but showed remarkable mental fortitude and courage to upset the top seed. His aggressive baseline play allowed him to win crucial points, resulting in an impressive 32 winners and only 18 unforced errors. He also recorded 10 aces and was effective at the net, winning 67% of points going forward.
Berrettini is aiming to reach his fifth quarterfinal of the season, while Fils seeks to reach his seventh. Both players have similar records on the hardcourts this season, with Berrettini holding a 4-4 match record and Fils standing at 12-10.
Berrettini enters as the favorite to win this match thanks to his superior hardcourt experience and record in high-stakes matches. Fils also appeared to struggle in his opener and will need to be much more precise against the Italian if he hopes to advance.
Pick: Berrettini in three sets.