The Kei Nishikori upset win over Novak Djokovic for a place in the final of the US Open should prove to be a win-win situation for Japanese clothing and fashion giant Uniqlo, a short version of “unique clothing” sponsor of both players.
Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a grand slam event semi-final with his 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4) 6-3 defeat of the world No. 1 Serb.
Even from the depths of defeat, the commercially-savvy Djokovic could sense the joy in the sponsor’s eyes. “This is definitely huge for Japan. It’s a big country, over 100 million people. This can definitely be a great encouragement for tennis in that country.
“Kei’s been around for last couple of years, he’s been having a lot of success. But playing the finals of a Grand Slam and now fighting for title is definitely something different.
“He has gotten to another level, and I’m sure that people will praise him.”
Uniqlo signed Djokovic to a long-term contract after years of backing Nishikori, who went to Florida a decade ago as a 14-year-old tennis hope to learn his craft in Florida.
The company has stated that it plans to generate $10 billion in annual sales in the United States from 200 stores in every major city.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts as he plays Kei Nishikori of Japan during their semifinals round match on the thirteenth day of the 2014 US Open Tennis Championship at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York, USA, 06 September 2014. The US Open runs through 08 September, a 15-day schedule. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT
Topics: Adidas, Kei Nishikori, Li Ning, Nike, Novak Djokovic, Tennis News, Uniqlo, US Open tennis
@keinishikori VS. @DjokerNole WAS A MAJOR EVENT FOR CLOTHING RETAILER @UNIQLO_JP/ NO NIKE, NO ADIDAS. http://t.co/ybpWMM3t6G #tennis #USOpen