David Goffin vs Hyeon Chung - Japan Open - Quarterfinals - Preview and Prediction

The World number 15, David Goffin takes on World number 143,  Hyeon Chung in the quarterfinals of Japan Open.

The pocket rocket, Goffin has had a good run in this tournament. He pulled off a tough three setter win against Pablo Carreno Busta and won a close encounter against Denis Shapovalov.

The Belgian's performance in grand slams has been average this year with third round finish in the Australian Open and fourth round finishes in the Wimbledon and US Open.

 On the other hand, Hyeon Chung is making rapid strides after being sidelined for a long time due to a few injuries he had sustained.

From being ranked 170 a few weeks back, he is expected to jump to 120 after the end of this tournament.

The South Korean showed outstanding big-match temperament as he outlasted the World number 30, Marin Cilic 6-4 3-6 6-1.

Despite Cilic's big serve threat, it was Chung who served down 11 aces. The 23-year old handled his nerves with ease as he served just 1 double fault throughout the match.

It will be a battle between Chung's first serve and Goffin's ground strokes. 

Goffin will have a slight advantage as he has a great record in Tokyo (runner up in 2016) while Chung will be looking to reclaim his former glory as he aims to break into the top 100.

A good start will be important for both the players as momentum can change quickly in such high octane encounters.

Goffin leads the head to head record 2-1 against Chung. They last met in the Basel Open in 2017 where Goffin won in straight sets.

Lots of things have changed after their last encounter and both players need to dig deep if they want to pull off a win tonight.

The crowd will find it tough to choose between two equally talented players.

Prediction - Hyeon Chung to win in three sets  

Cover Image Credits - en24.news