A. Kovacevic comes into this match in difficult form — 2 wins from the last 5. Form is mixed — DS ranging from -13.8 to 11.5, with at least one match where A. Kovacevic was clearly outplayed. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 6.2/10, leaving A. Kovacevic vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure. Good performance in key moments — break point efficiency of +13 over the last five.

R. Hijikata comes into this match in difficult form — 2 wins from the last 5. Matches have been close throughout — average DS of +0.4 with a downward trend. R. Hijikata is winning on the scoreboard but not pulling away. The serve has been a concern — averaging only 6.2/10, leaving R. Hijikata vulnerable on second serve and facing frequent return pressure. Break point efficiency is a red flag — R. Hijikata has been losing the important points, with a BP efficiency of -21 over recent matches.