Tennis
2018-10-12 - Roger Federer vs Kei Nishikori
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Tennis: Shanghai Masters Quarter Final
Friday 12th October 2018 - Scheduled 8pm
British Time: 1pm
Preview
Having not played any competitive tennis since the surprisingly early exit at the US Open may be having an effect on the Roger Federer performances so far in Shanghai this week. He has shown the battling qualities that have helped Federer have so much success in his career, but I am sure he also appreciates he has to be a lot better if he is going to win this match.
In this Quarter Final Federer takes on Kei Nishikori who reached the Final in Tokyo last week and who has backed that up with a good couple of wins here in Shanghai.
You have to like what Nishikori brings to the court against Federer with a strong return game likely to put some pressure on the Number 1 Seed. So far this week we have not seen the best of Federer when it comes to the serve and that is an area Nishikori will be looking to exploit with his ability to make enough balls and force Federer to go for closer and closer to the line.
The problem for Nishikori is going to be the same one he has whenever he faces one of the top players on the Tour and that is whether he can get enough out of his own serve to at least get through some games without stresses. It just isn't a weapon that will put fear into opponents and Federer has been very good at attacking the Nishikori serve when they have faced one another.
Nishikori hasn't really been tested on his serve this week and I do think Federer holds the edge in the match thanks to his own serve likely producing one or two 'easier' games compared with Nishikori. That should prove to be the difference on the day, but Federer has to raise his level after barely coming through the first couple of matches in Shanghai and needing three sets to overcome both Daniil Medvedev and Roberto Bautista Agut.
It should be a fun Quarter Final for the fans to enjoy, but I will be backing Roger Federer to come through with a win and a cover.
Prediction
There will be twists and turns in this one but I like Roger Federer to win and cover.
The Pick :
Roger Federer 2-1 Kei Nishikori
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Roger Federer - 2.5 Games at 1.80 with BetFred
