The North American hard-court season, which culminates with the US Open, will get underway in earnest on Monday at ATP Washington.
The discipline for this 500-level event options loads of American stars like Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Frances Tiafoe, however essentially the most intriguing identify could also be Kei Nishikori. The former US Open runner-up and 12-time winner on the ATP Tour has introduced that he’ll retire after this season, bringing to an finish a legendary profession.
Nishikori, who gained this occasion in 2015, is a determined underdog in opposition to Juncheng “Jerry” Shang in Round 1 on Monday night.
ATP Washington choose: Nishikori vs. Shang
At the height of his powers, Nishikori was a marvel to observe on the court docket. He was a grasp at holding his opponent on his toes, and he made up for his lack of measurement and energy with elegant shot-making and elite agility.
He was by no means in a position to win the large one, however an in-form Nishikori was a nightmare for any participant.
Those days are within the rear-view mirror, and Nishikori has spent an excessive amount of time on the sidelines this season, however he ought to have a puncher’s likelihood on Monday.
Not solely will Nishikori have the group behind him as they attempt to will the previous World No. 4 to a victory in his final look in Washington, D.C., however he’ll even be taking up an opponent who has been out of motion since February and has barely performed any tennis over the previous two seasons.
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Shang, 21, seemed like he was on his approach to large issues after a powerful 2024 marketing campaign ended with an invitation to the NextGen Finals, however it’s been a nightmare for the Chinese professional since then.
A foot damage restricted him to 14 matches in 2025, and he’s solely performed seven this 12 months. Unsurprisingly, the outcomes have been fairly pedestrian for Shang.
Against every other opponent on this discipline, Nishikori can be in loads of bother. But Shang’s lack of motion during the last two years makes him ripe for the choosing on Monday.
The Play: Kei Nishikori moneyline (+184, FanDuel)
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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, however a long-profiting sports activities bettor with 10 years of expertise within the playing business. He loves utilizing recreation idea to assist punters win bracket swimming pools, discover lengthy photographs, and learn to beat the market in mainstream and area of interest sports activities.
