Kei Nishikori’s US Open performance could attract major Japanese sponsors to tennis.
“Kei’s success will have ramifications for all aspects of tennis in the country, which is good because there will be new money coming to tennis, said IMG agent Fernando Soler, whose agency represents Nishikori, to the New York Times.
The country’s financial potential is indicated by the amount of endorsements Nishikori has received from national and international companies. According to Forbes, with $10 million in earnings a year, Nishikori has only recently reached a top 10 ranking but is the fifth-highest earning male tennis player behind the Big Four.
The 24-year-old, who is the first Asian male to reach a Grand Slam final, could also have an effect on other countries in Asia, and prompt more players as well. China has become significant in holding tournaments and attracting sponsorship in tennis, especially for the WTA.
“In Asia, there are not many tennis stars besides Na Li, and successes like Kei’s do make the sport more familiar in the entire region,” noted Soler. “I do not think it will have a huge impact on Asia, but I’m convinced in a way it will help prove to these guys that they can play tennis and win.”
Nishikori will climb into the top five next week, the highest ranking for an Asian men’s player.
Topics: Grand Slam Final, Kei Nishikori, Tennis News, US Open
@keinishikori HAD A GREAT #USOpen, HE WILL BE RANKED 5 IN THE WORLD, HIS AGENT HAS GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY- http://t.co/EobRbxYHWh #tennis #Kei