Paris Masters 2020: Adrian Mannarino vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: Adrian Mannarino vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Date: 4 November 2020
Tournament: Rolex Paris Masters 2020
Round: Second round (Round of 32)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Indoor hardcourt
Prize money: €3,901,015
Match timing: Approx. 1 pm local time, 5.30 pm IST
Live telecast: USA - ESPN / Tennis Channel | India - Sony Six / Sony Liv
Adrian Mannarino vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview
World No. 36 Adrian Mannarino will take on the 51st-ranked Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round of the Paris Masters on Wednesday.
Mannarino has arrived at the Paris Masters after his best performance of the year, at the Astana Open. As the third seed at that ATP 250 tournament, the Frenchman did not drop a set all the way to the final - where he was defeated by John Millman.
The sizzling run understandably helped the 32-year-old gain confidence as he knocked out the 26th-ranked Dusan Lajovic 7-6(5), 6-3 in the first round at the French capital on Tuesday. Mannarino will look to bring that same level to the court when he faces off against Nishioka.
Nishioka on his part put up a gutsy display against the 57th-ranked Pablo Andujar. Losing a tight first set 5-7 to the Spaniard could not deter the World No. 51, who came storming back to complete a 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 win in 2 hours 14 minutes.
The Japanese had begun the season with a fabulous campaign at Delray Beach, where he finished as the runner-up to Reilly Opelka. However, he failed to replicate that effort upon the resumption of the tour, and it was only when the tour moved to Cologne did he finally begin showing sparks.
Nishioka reached the quarterfinals in the German city, and would be hoping to build on that run at Bercy.
Adrian Mannarino vs Yoshihito Nishioka head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Adrian Mannarino and Yoshihito Nishioka, so their head-to-head currently stands at 0-0.
Adrian Mannarino vs Yoshihito Nishioka prediction
The clash between Adrian Mannarino and Yoshihito Nishioka presents a rare battle of lefties, although with different styles.
Mannarino is adept at changing the pace of rallies with his flat forehand, which should come in handy indoors. He can also throw in the occasional drop shot, for which Nishioka needs to be ready.
Even though the Japanese does move well, his lack of power could work against him indoors. Besides, Nishioka was involved in a long match with Andujar, and that could affect his performance further.
Prediction: Adrian Mannarino to win in straight sets.