Nishikori Advances in Thionville Challenger Qualification, Faces Sels
Thionville, France – Kei Nishikori secured a spot in the next round of the Thionville Challenger qualification, defeating Daniel Jade in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 on Monday, March 2nd, 2026. The match took place at Court Central in Thionville, France.
Nishikori, currently ranked 284th in the ATP rankings, demonstrated an aggressive playing style, hitting 25 winners during the encounter. He won 83% of his first serve points (25/30) and 60% of his second serve points (15/25), and did not concede a single break during the match. He recorded one ace and committed three double faults.
The Japanese player will now face Jelle Sels, ranked 343rd, in the qualification final. This will be the first career meeting between the two players, scheduled for 11:20 UTC on March 2nd, 2026, at Court Central.
Tennis Tonic predicts Nishikori will win the match in two sets, with initial odds favoring the former world number four at 1.192 compared to Sels’ 4.05. Live streaming of the match may be available through bet365 and Challenger TV, depending on the viewer’s location.
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