Hong Kong R2 previews and predictions: Khachanov vs. Nishikori, Fils vs. Bergs

Second-round action in Hong King gets underway on New Year’s Day, when Karen Khachanov and Kei Nishikori take the court. Arthur Fils and Zizou Bergs are also aiming for a place in the quarterfinals.

(3) Karen Khachanov vs. (WC) Kei Nishikori

Khachanov and Nishikori will be squaring off for the seventh time in their careers and for the first time since 2021 when they meet again in round two of the Bank of China Open on Wednesday. Nishikori leads the head-to-head series 4-2, including 1-0 on outdoor hard courts–a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory at the 2016 U.S. Open. The Japanese veteran did very well to win his Hong Kong opener on Tuesday, erasing Denis Shapovalov 6-2, 6-3.

Still, Khachanov is the much more reliable player in this matchup. Nishikori has been plagued by physical problems throughout his career, and at 35 years old that doesn’t figure to change. Asking him to deliver a second consecutive top-notch performance may be too much. Meanwhile, Khachanov ended last season in fine form to position himself inside the top 20 (currently 19th). The third-seeded Russian is well rested following a first-round bye–and following an entire offseason–and will likely be too tough for Nishikori.

Pick: Khachanov in 2

(WC) Zizou Bergs vs. (4) Arthur Fils

Fils just played in the NextGen ATP Finals, which–given its spot on the mid-December calendar–was really a preseason warmup for 2025 rather than a season-ending tournament in 2024. It did not go particularly well for the top-seeded Fils, but motivation–or a lack thereof–may have been a factor following a long and successful 2024 campaign. The 20-year-old Frenchman, who is up to No. 20 in the world, can be expected to bring his ‘A’ game to the table in Hong Kong.

Up first for Fils is a second showdown against Bergs, who won their only previous contest 7-6(2), 6-3 at an indoor hard-court Challenger in 2021. Bergs also enjoyed his best year on tour in 2024, winning 17 matches at the ATP level while ascending to No. 71 in the world. The Belgian began the new season in style by beating Alejandro Moro Canas 6-4, 6-4 in his Hong Kong opener, but Fils represents a significant step up in competition level. Look for Fils to win a high-quality match in two tight sets.

Pick: Fils in 2