Hikaru Shiraishi vs Tomohiro Masabayashi Head-to-Head Stats, Results & Performance Comparison

• Second Serve Performance: Masabayashi slightly edges out with 43.64% success on second serves over the last six months, compared to Shiraishi's 42.21%. Could this be a decisive factor?
• Return Game: Shiraishi demonstrates stronger return stats, winning 44.66% and 28.62% of points on opponents' second and first serves, respectively, while Masabayashi trails with 42.7% and 26.13%.
• Handling Pressure: Shiraishi is more adept at saving breakpoints, with a rate of 49.77% versus Masabayashi's 46.57%, giving them an edge in critical moments.
• Overall Performance: Shiraishi has been dominant in the past year, winning 60.81% of their matches compared to Masabayashi's 36%.
• Preferred Surface: Masabayashi performs best on clay with a 53% win rate, whereas Shiraishi excels on hard courts, winning 66% of their matches.
• Tournament Experience: Shiraishi has succeeded more on the Futures/ITF $10K circuit, winning 67.27% of matches, whereas Masabayashi's success rate is only 36.36% at the same level.
• Quality of Opponents: Shiraishi has faced slightly tougher competition, with opponents' average rank at 467.18 compared to Masabayashi's 513.04.
• Deciding Set Performance: Shiraishi prevails in deciding sets, with a win rate of 65% compared to Masabayashi's 31%, a crucial factor in closely matched contests.
• Breakpoint Conversion: Masabayashi converts 40% of breakpoint chances, outperforming Shiraishi's 33.97%, which might influence in-game momentum.

Editorial Prediction (September 17, 2025, UTC):

The upcoming tennis match offers an intriguing contrast in styles and capabilities. Masabayashi has shown a slight advantage in second serve performance, but Shiraishi's superior return game and composure under pressure suggest a slight edge. Shiraishi's overall match record for the past year and proficiency in deciding sets further enhance their prospects.

While Masabayashi has exhibited strong breakpoint conversion, Shiraishi's consistent performance at a higher competitive level shouldn't be overlooked. The differences in preferred surfaces may not significantly impact this match unless conditions drastically favor one style over another.

Considering all relevant factors, Shiraishi appears more likely to triumph in this match, leveraging their experience and consistency in key areas of play.