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Match details
Fixture: Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Date: 10 August 2021
Tournament: 2021 National Bank Open
Round: First round (Round of 64)
Venue: Aviva Centre, Toronto, Ontario
Category: ATP Masters 1000
Surface: Outdoor hard
Prize money: $2,850,975
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Amazon Prime Video | India - Voot
Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka preview
American prodigy Sebastian Korda was originally scheduled to take on Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka in the first round of the 2021 National Bank Open on Tuesday. But the 21-year-old has now withdrawn from the event, and been replaced in the draw by lucky loser Frances Tiafoe.
Tiafoe has struggled with his form in 2021, accumulating a mediocre 15-15 win-loss record on the main circuit. The American has, however, given a good account of himself during the second half of the season.
Tiafoe won his first title of the year at the Challenger event in Nottingham. He followed that up with a comprehensive upset victory over third-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first round of Wimbledon.
It should be noted that the 23-year-old also entered the qualifying event in Toronto this week, but lost in the final round to the talented Emil Ruusuvuori.
Yoshihito Nishioka, meanwhile, has not enjoyed too much success on the main tour of late. But he likes playing on hardcourt, a surface on which he has won six of his 10 Challenger titles.
Nishioka, currently ranked 56th in the world, has never gone past the first round of the Canada Masters.
Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka head-to-head
Frances Tiafoe leads Yoshihito Nishioka 1-0 in their head-to-head. The two youngsters squared off two years ago at the Estoril Open; the American prevailed in three tough sets that day, edging a final-set tiebreaker.
Frances Tiafoe vs Yoshihito Nishioka prediction
Although Frances Tiafoe has unusual strokes, he always looks to take the early initiative in rallies with his aggressive intent. The American can create some incredible angles with his forehand, and he doesn't show a moment's hestitation to rush the net when he chances on a short ball.
Tiafoe will be motivated to put up a good showing in Canada, where he is likely to receive support from not only his local fans but the American crowd as well.
Nishioka, on his part, makes up for his lack of firepower with supreme consistency. The Japanese patiently moves his opponents around the court and then pounces when he spots an opening.
Nishioka is also a great mover, and always puts an extra ball back in play. He will look to prolong the rallies against Tiafoe and try to force the American into overplaying.
But as long as Tiafoe doesn't have an off-day, he should be able to eke out the win.
Prediction: Frances Tiafoe to win in three sets.
