Jack Draper v Kei Nishikori: Predictions, Tips and Odds

After losing to Cameron Norrie in the second round at Wimbledon, Jack Draper returns to men’s singles action at the Olympics.

The British number one has been handed a tough test though in the first round in Paris, drawn to face former world number four Kei Nishikori.

The pair have never met before but Draper will hope his power and extra energy, being 12 years younger than his opponent, can make the difference on Saturday.

Jack Draper v Kei Nishikori betting tips and predictions

Jack Draper to win 2-1 – 5/2

Many pundits feel Draper is capable of challenging for Grand Slam titles and performances this year suggest he is heading in the right direction.

The 22-year-old won his first ATP Tour title as he collected the Stuttgart Open trophy after producing some sensational tennis back in June.

Draper beat Matteo Berrettini in that final and a week later claimed a statement win over Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz at Queens Club.

He arrived at SW19 as the new British number one, but suffered a set-back in round two when losing in straight-sets to fellow countryman Norrie.

Draper took time out after that defeat to prepare for the Olympics, switching his attentions from grass back to clay courts.

The Brit has a tough test in the first round though, as he prepares to come up against the experienced Japanese star Nishikori.

A bronze medal winner at the 2016 Games, Nishikori has had almost two years on the sidelines following hip surgery, only returning to competitive action last summer.

After featuring at both the French Open and Wimbledon this year, the 34-year-old will see this as the perfect opportunity to show he can still mix it with the best.

Jack Draper to win from behind – 11/2

The recent stats and rankings may point to a Draper win, but his lack of clay-court success will be a concern for some.

In two appearances at the French Open, the Brit has failed to get past the first round – losing in five sets in 2024, to Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong.

In contrast, Nishikori has won 12 ATP Tour titles and two of those came on clay – at the 2014 and 2015 Barcelona Opens.

That extra experience and knowhow on the slower court could help the Japanese ace make a quick start, knowing that his best chance of progressing is to win the first set.

The longer the match goes on, the more likely Draper is to come out on top, with his opponent having played just four ATP Tour matches since March.

Kei Nishikori to win a set – 1/1

Despite all of his injury issues in recent times, Nishikori’s overall record on clay gives him some hope of causing an upset.

The veteran has previously reached the quarter-finals of the French Open on three separate occasions, the last of which was in 2019.

Nishikori also progressed passed the first round in Paris this year, eventually retiring hurt against Ben Shelton in round two.

The former US Open champion has also won three ATP Challenger Tour titles on clay and has previous Olympic experience.

He made the semi-finals in 2016 and went on to beat Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 (on a hard-court) to claim the bronze medal in Rio.

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Jack Draper v Kei Nishikori odds

Jack Draper – 1/4
Kei Nishikori – 3/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.