Dan Evans in the third round of the 2021 US Open in New York
Dan Evans in the third round of the 2021 US Open in New York | (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Tennis | ATP Indian Wells 2021 | Evans takes on Nishikori in tough Indian Wells opener

  • Dan Evans [18] v Kei Nishikori
  • H2H: Nishikori leads 3-1
INDIAN WELLS, USA – Dan Evans has a tough opening test in the Californian desert when he takes on Kei Nishikori in the penultimate Masters 1000 event of the season.

 

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H2H & Match Fundamentals

Dan Evans [18] v Kei Nishikori

H2H: Nishikori leads 3-1

ATP Indian Wells Β 

Indian Wells, USA

Hard (O)

Prize Money: $29,045

First on Stadium 5, at 11am (7pm BST)

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After losing the battle of the Brits clash against Cameron Norrie in San Diego, Dan Evans is back in action against Kei Nishikori a match where he has had little success in the past.

 

Tale of the Tape – Key Stats (2021 – Hard)

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H2H:

Dan Evans (WR 22)

Kei Nishikori (WR 53)

Tournament Previous Best

R2 (2017)

QF (2016, 2017)

1st Serve %

61

65.1

Service Games Won %

80.5

76.3

Break Points Saved %

64.6

58.7

2nd Serve Return Points Won %

51.2

56

Break Points Converted %

42.2

39.9

Evans dominates most statistics however it’s the former grand slam finalist who knows how to make it count on return and can put more 1st serves into play.

 

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Playing styles and prediction

Despite not playing in San Diego last week, Nishikori has put together a very consistent schedule throughout the season with consistent results. The Japanese player will look to put his defensive skills to the test and use aggressive shots to put the Brit into uncomfortable positions in the court.

Evans will need to improve his first serve and take any opportunities he can create with concentration levels having to be at its optimum. The slower, hotter conditions will make things a bit tougher for the Brit so he will need to show more patience in rallies and will have to physically outlast Nishikori. This match will favour the Japanese star and stylistically he is the favourite to advance to the third round in California.

Prediction: Nishikori in three sets.

 

 

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