Kei Nishikori Aims For Masters Series & Slam Titles

Written by: Staff on 9th October 2012

ATP Malaysian Open tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur

Kei Nishikori Aims For Masters Series & Slam Titles

epa03414468 Japanese Kei Nishikori returns the ball to Argentinean Juan Monaco (not in picture) during their semi final match at the ATP Malaysian Open tennis tournament in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 September 2012. EPA/AHMAD YUSNI |

After winning the Japan Open for the first time. 22-year-old Kei Nishikori has set his sights on much bigger goals. The 22-year-old is now ranked No. 15 but believes that by winning at home he has improved his confidence level overall.

“I think winning a Grand Slam is possible,” Nishikori told Reuters.

“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 .

“There was so much pressure. 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.”

Nishikori’s title run was his first since 2008 in Delray Beach and he also believes that a Masters Series crown is the making. He reached the semis of Shanghai last year, where he is playing this week.

“From now I’ll be aiming to win a Masters event, he said. “I want to beat the top four players in the world. That’s still a big wall for me but that’s my goal.” I’m still a little bit off winning a grand slam.

In the next two or three years I have to strengthen my body to be able to withstand seven five-set matches.”

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Atp, Japan Open, Japanese tennis news, Kei Nishikori, men tennis, Sports, Tennis News