🎾 Alexei Popyrin vs. Yoshihito Nishioka – French Open R1

ATP French Open

🎾 Alexei Popyrin vs. Yoshihito Nishioka – French Open R1 Preview

🧠 Form & Context

Alexei Popyrin
🎓 Junior champ, senior slump: Won the Boys’ French Open in 2017 and debuted in style in 2019 with a win over Humbert, but has since lost six straight matches at Roland Garros.
🎾 Clay confidence improving: Reached QFs in Monte Carlo and Geneva, signaling a rare patch of stability on his least consistent surface.
🔄 Slam pressure rising: Now World No. 25, but owns just a 12–12 career record in R1 Slam matches—needs to back up ranking with results.
🧱 Paris demons to break: Despite solid clay preparation, has yet to win in Paris since 2019. This is his best shot in years.
Yoshihito Nishioka
🩼 Physically hampered: Has withdrawn or retired from three events in 2025, and played just one clay match, a loss to Dusan Lajovic in Rome.
🚫 Surface mismatch: Clay is Nishioka’s weakest surface, but he has overperformed in Paris compared to expectations.
🇫🇷 Sneaky RG record: Four R2 finishes and a second-week run in 2023 (R4) make him more successful at Roland Garros than most would expect.
🔋 Preparedness uncertain: Enters with extremely limited match play and fitness red flags—hard to trust over five sets.

🔍 Match Breakdown

Popyrin enters with form and rhythm on clay, which is a rarity for him, while Nishioka is undercooked and nursing physical concerns. Though the head-to-head favors the Japanese player (1–0), that win came under healthier circumstances. If Popyrin can stay aggressive and dictate with his serve-forehand combo, he should keep rallies short and avoid letting Nishioka get into patterns. Nishioka has the craft and footspeed, but not the stamina or consistency on clay right now. Popyrin’s recent clay results (Monte Carlo & Geneva QFs), paired with Nishioka’s rust, make this a strong opportunity for the Aussie to end his Roland Garros losing streak.

🔮 Prediction

This is a prime chance for Popyrin to snap his Paris curse. With Nishioka struggling physically, expect a breakthrough for the Aussie. 🧩 Prediction: Popyrin in 3 sets, taking control with his pace and serve while Nishioka fades physically.