Kei Nishikori plans to capture a Grand Slam trophy in near future – Tennis News
Earlier in the month, Kei Nishikori of Japan survived a test of the then-15th ranked Canadian superstar, Milos Raonic, in the final of the Rakuten Japan Open final to clinch his maiden Association of Tennis Professionals
title. It was a great match-up between the two athletes who are separated by just two ranks, the 21-year-old Raonic being the superior.
The 22-year-old Japanese athlete thrashed Go Soeda and Tommy Robredo in the opening two rounds before trashing the second seed Czech star, Tomas Berdych, in the quarters. He dumped the newly married Cypriot, Marcos Baghdatis, in
the semi-final before meeting the number one Canadian. The grand finale witnessed the score line of 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-0 in favour of the local hero who has cemented his position amongst the Top-20 athletes of the world.
Something surprising was heard in the post-match press conference. Nishikori stated, “I think winning a grand slam is possible.” So, we have a new contestant outside the Top-5 contenders’ category aiming to grab a Grand Slam title
under his belt.
There is no doubt that the Japanese youngster has the ability to power down any athlete on his day but winning a Grand Slam trophy requires a lot more than just technique, stamina and momentum. The desire to win the most esteemed
trophy has to be there to overpower the big guns and Nishikori has built that willpower over the course of years.
Talking about his performance in the week at Tokyo, the 22-year-old Japanese said, “This week I probably played the best tennis of my life. Breaking into the top 10 is the goal now. To win a (ATP) 500 title in Japan has special
meaning. Until now I had never been able to play well in Japan.” Nishikori has taken a first major leap to the Major title, winning a 500 points title at his home soil. He is eyeing a 1000 master’s series up next in the coming year and than a Grand Slam trophy.
Nishikori commented about playing on his home soil, “There was so much pressure.” He has risen from the 17th spot to the 15th in the world after his conquest in Tokyo. He further added, “I thought I lacked
mental toughness. Being able to break through that barrier playing my best tennis was amazing. I still can't believe it."
Newly 15th ranked Japanese Nishikori said, “Winning a tour title was this year's objective.” He has achieved that goal and looking to build on that in the coming days.
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