Shanghai Masters 2023: Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and pick
Match Details
Fixture: (8) Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Tournament: Shanghai Masters 2023
Round: Second Round
Venue: Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China
Category: ATP 1000
Surface: Hard (Indoor)
Prize money: $8,800,000
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Canada - TSN
Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview
Eighth seed Casper Ruud will square off against Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round of the Shanghai Masters on Thursday.
The Norwegian has had a decent season so far, amassing 32 wins from 51 matches and a title-winning run at the Estoril Open. He also secured runner-up finishes at the French Open and the Swedish Open in Bastad.
The 24-year-old will enter Shanghai on the back of a quarterfinal finish at the China Open in Beijing. He defeated the likes of Jan Lennard Struff and Tomas Martin Etcheverry en route to the last eight, but couldn't fend off Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard No. 1 outfoxed Ruud in straight sets 6-4, 6-2.
On the other hand, Yoshihito Nishioka, has chalked up 19 wins from 38 matches and a runner-up finish at the Zhuhai Championships. He also reached the semifinals at the Adelaide International 1.
The Japanese tennis player entered Shanghai on the back of a second round exit in Beijing. He began his campaign with a hardfought win over Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2). Nishioka will be aiming to gather momentum and pose a formidable challenge to Ruud in the second round.
Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka head-to-head
The head-to-head between Ruud and Nishioka is poised at 1-1. The Japanese player won their most recent encounter at the 2022 Korea Open in Seoul.
Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM.
Casper Ruud vs Yoshihito Nishioka prediction
Casper Ruud and Yoshihito Nishioka will square off in an exciting clash in the second round of the Shanghai Masters. Both players have shown their mettle on the ATP tour, and this encounter promises to be an end-to-end battle.
Ruud, the eighth seed, has enjoyed a solid season, with 32 wins under his belt. His powerful baseline game and impressive court coverage skills make him a formidable opponent. The Norwegian hasn't been in the best of forms lately and also had a disspointing US Open campaign. He'll be hoping to finish the season on a strong note.
On the other side of the net, Nishioka has displayed his commitment with 19 wins from 38 matches this season. He is known for his speed and agility on the court, often outmaneuvering opponents with his exceptional defensive skills. The 28-year-old will need to bring his A-game to the fore against Ruud.
Their head-to-head record stands at 1-1, with Nishioka winning their most recent encounter at the 2022 Korea Open. This history adds an extra layer of anticipation to their meeting.
The Japanese player's ability to turn defense into offense could trouble Ruud. However, the Norwegian's recent form and experience on the big stage will come in handy. Ruud has a 55% win ratio on hard courts compared to Nishioka's 49%. Tennis fans can expect a thrilling battle between these two talented players in Shanghai, where the third seed should be able to sneak through to the next round.
Pick: Casper Ruud to win in three sets.