[5] Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs [14] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA)

Nishikori leads their head-to-head 4-1, but none of these meetings have taken place on clay.  Also, only one of their matches took place in the past 52 weeks.  Therefore, I think this match does not have an obvious favorite.  Nishikori has demonstrated great clay court form.   Tsonga has a larger frame and can hit through the court under heavy conditions.  Tsonga will also have a lot of fan support.  Nishikori’s baseline hugging style may not mean as much in heavy conditions, but is Tsonga going to be able to slog through a clay court match over 4 or 5 sets?

My Prediction: Kei Nishikori d. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 I think so long as this does not turn into a complete Davis Cup crowd (and it very well could) Nishikori’s form and clay court prowess will be too much for Tsonga.  I do think this is going at least 4 sets though.