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.
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