Dubai R2 previews and predictions: Nishikori vs. Paire, Cilic vs. Monfils

Kei Nishikori will take on France’s Benoit Paire on Tuesday as the Japanese top seed begins a bid in Dubai for his second title of the year. Marin Cilic and Rotterdam champion Gael Monfils are also taking the court in an intriguing first-rounder.

(1) Kei Nishikori vs. Benoit Paire

World No. 6 Kei Nishikori holds a significant ranking edge over opponent Benoit Paire, who currently sits at No. 65. And yet the two men have often engaged in closely fought, highly entertaining matches. They clashed at Roland Garros last year, when Nishikori just managed to slip past the Frenchman in five sets

Paire plays many tournaments during the lengthy tennis season. He has already played 6 tour-level events this year (also a Challenger, where he withdrew in the quarters). Paire has amassed a 4-6 record so far. By contrast, Nishikori owns a title (in Brisbane), and he ground out three five-set wins in Melbourne before withdrawing in his quarterfinal match against Novak Djokovic.

Nishikori will be the favorite and should advance, but expect Paire to put on a show for the fans.

Cheryl pick: Nishikori in 3

Ricky pick: Nishikori in 2

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(3) Marin Cilic vs. Gael Monfils

No. 3 seed Marin Cilic seems to have a bit of a matchup problem with Gael Monfils. These seasoned veterans of the ATP tour have only managed to meet three times, once back in 2009, again in 2016, and last year. Monfils has won every encounter.

The Frenchman goes into Dubai off an impressive run in Rotterdam, where he defeated Stan Wawrinka for the title. He will almost certainly be brimming with confidence as he takes the court on Tuesday.

This will be the first tournament for Cilic since the Australian Open and only his second of the season so far. The Croat was upset by Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of 16. It’s a bad bit of luck for Cilic, as the No. 3 seed, to draw Monfils in the first round–and it could mean an early flight for the Croat to the California desert in preparation for Indian Wells.

Cheryl pick: Monfils in 3

Ricky pick: Cilic in 3

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