Kei Nishikori vs Denis Shapovalov Preview & Prediction | 2025 Madrid Open | Second Round

Former finalist Kei Nishikori meets Denis Shapovalov in the second round in Madrid.

Ranking points: ATP 1000

Start date/time: Saturday 26th April, 2025: UK – not before 10am / US ET – not before 5am / US PT – not before 2am

Venue: Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain

Surface: Outdoor clay

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / US – Tennis Channel

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Tennis Channel

Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Kei Nishikori vs Denis Shapovalov ticket information

Kei Nishikori vs Denis Shapovalov prediction

Kei Nishikori made a successful return to action in his first round win over Aleksandar Vukic.

The Japanese was playing his first match since withdrawing in a round of 16 match encounter in Houston last month, but found a way to iron out his creases with a 6-4 3-6 6-3 success.

His opponent Denis Shapovalov has yet to triumph on the clay this season and has lost his last three matches. 

The Canadian will be keen to kick-start his Roland-Garros preparation but knows the veteran Nishikori has serious pedigree on the surface.

Nishikori leads the head-to-head 2-1 and actually defeated Shapo in straight sets in Hong Kong at the start of the year.

Shapovalov will look to wield his power and rein in the unforced errors and he may well have the edge over the Japanese, but don’t be surprised to see this one go deep in a third. 

Kei Nishikori vs Denis Shapovalov tip: Over 2.5 sets