Kei Nishikori vs. Jodar: Washington picks and odds
Kei Nishikori meets 19-year-old Rafael Jodar in the ATP Washington Round of 16 on Wednesday night, with the Spaniard a heavy -600 favorite at FanDuel. Nishikori, set to retire after 2026, earned a wildcard and upset Shang; betting interest centers on whether the veteran can push the total games past 21.5.
Key Takeaways
- Kei Nishikori faces Rafael Jodar in the Round of 16 at the ATP 500 Washington event on Stadium court.
- Jodar opened as a -600 favorite at FanDuel after beating Arthur Fils; Nishikori ended a 13-match ATP losing streak by defeating Shang.
- Nishikori won Washington in 2015 and is playing his final season; Jodar is ranked around No. 24 after a rapid rise.
- New York Post betting coverage likes Over 21.5 games at +102 on FanDuel.
The generational clash pits a former world No. 4 against one of tennis's hottest teenagers. For more offbeat sports and news roundups, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man hub.
Who is favored when Kei Nishikori plays Rafael Jodar?
Jodar is the clear market favorite. According to the New York Post, he was listed at -600 on FanDuel Sportsbook.
The 19-year-old Spaniard won a title in Marrakech, went deep in Madrid and Rome, reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals, and climbed into the Top 25 after winning two matches at Wimbledon. He arrived in Washington in form, knocking out Arthur Fils in the first round.
Nishikori, ranked in the 700s as a wildcard, once peaked at No. 4, finished runner-up at the US Open, and captured this event in 2015. His skills have faded with age and injuries, so he must rely on craft and guile against Jodar's power.
When and where is Kei Nishikori vs. Jodar in Washington?
The Round of 16 match is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in the last session on Stadium court at the ATP 500 Washington tournament. It is slated after Naomi Osaka versus Ashlyn Krueger and could start around 2:30 a.m. Spain time, per Punto de Break.
Spanish viewers can follow on Movistar Plus+ (#Vamos or Deportes+) or Tennis TV. TennisTemple lists both players as strong on hard courts, with Nishikori holding 322 hard-court wins in his career.
What is the best bet for Kei Nishikori vs. Jodar?
Post handicapper Michael Leboff does not lean on Nishikori to pull the outright upset. He argues the crowd and Jodar's relative inexperience could keep the score closer than the price implies.
His recommended play is Over 21.5 games at +102 on FanDuel. That angle fits a first-time meeting in which Nishikori tries to frustrate a big hitter while Jodar looks to smash through.
If Nishikori advances, he would reach the Washington quarterfinals for the first time since 2018. Jodar has never faced a former top-five player, adding intrigue to an already uneven but watchable matchup.