Tuesday’s ATP Finals Tips: Nishikori and Federer to do the business?

The tennis action continues at London’s O2 Arena today, with a couple of top singles matches.

Kei Nishikori will be looking for a repeat feat against his South African opponent, while Dominic Thiem has his eyes on an upset in the capital.

Kevin Anderson v Kei Nishikori

The head-to-head stats are in Nishikori’s favour – though not overwhelmingly so. He’s won five of the pair’s previous eight meetings, including a straight-sets victory in Paris just a few weeks ago.

In the Match Betting, it’s Nishikori at 4/6 who is the favourite. Meanwhile, the towering Anderson is 6/5 for victory.

After his 6-4, 6-4 win in Paris, the odds make Nishikori 13/8 to win 2-0 in sets once again. Meanwhile, a 6-4 opening set win for the Japanese ace is priced up at 9/2.

Roger Federer v Dominic Thiem

While Fed is firmly favoured in the Match Betting at 4/11, it’s 9/4 shot Thiem who has won the last two meetings.

However, there’s no getting away from Federer’s pedigree in this tournament. He’s lifted this trophy (and its predecessor, the Tennis Masters Cup) on six occasions.

As for Thiem, he’s been hit-and-miss this year. A French Open final was followed by a first-round exit at Wimbledon to world number 116 Marcos Baghdatis.

In short, Federer should have enough to prevent a third straight loss to the Austrian. It’s 11/4 for 2-1 Federer in sets, while the Swiss ace is 1/2 to Break Serve First in this meeting.