KEI NISHIKORI A GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR HIS COUNTRY & TENNIS

Written by: Global Chick on 17th November 2014

KEI NISHIKORI A GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR HIS COUNTRY & TENNIS

epa04488172 Japan's Kei Nishikori celebrates following his two set to one win over Spain's David Ferrer during their Round robin match at the ATP World Tour Finals mens tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 13 November 2014 . EPA/ANDY RAIN |

The allure of ‘Special Kei’. By Global Chick

There comes a time, when writing previews and watching matches where a player coming up through the ranks, or perhaps even bubbling under the big boys just catches your eye.

While ploughing through stats and head to heads of players for the elite eight-man season-ending finale, it was noticeable how one name was on a pretty even keep with players one would assume would wipe the floor with lesser beings.

To whom are we referring? Kei Nishikori, Asia’s latest star. Quiet and unassuming, humble in press for a long time the biggest worry about previewing any match of his was whether his fragile limbs would stay intact long enough for him to finish a set.

Twitter time-lines were often filled with tweets of woe about whatever injury might befall him, but boy when he was on, he was on.

There is an old golf adage – play to your weakness. It might sound like strange advice but if you know you will fade or draw off the tee, then compensate for that, and this is exactly what Nishikori does. He may not have the most powerful serve, or the biggest weapons in his arsenal but he is quick, and his ability to switch his angles and wrong-foot his opponents can frustrate the best of them.

After his incredible run to the Madrid final where he deservedly had Rafael Nadal on the ropes on his home turf (or dirt, as the case may be) the back injury that effectively rendered him helpless was one of the lowest reporting points of the year. That someone could take the fight to the bull in his own ring, only to be effectively gored out of the way just seemed to be the story of Nishikori.

Kei Nishikori of Japan reacts during his Mutua Open Madrid Masters 1000 tennis tournament’s men’s single semi final match against David Ferrer of Spain at the Caja Magica tennis complex in Madrid, Spain, 10 May 2014. EPA/EMILIO NARANJO

In the run up to the US Open, the infected big toe just seemed like another ‘oh, if only” moment, so who knew that the time out to recover with just one US hard court outing under his belt would see such a remarkable turn of fortunes.

His sticking power over Milos Raonic was impressive, but as he pulled off the same feat over Stan Wawrinka, well surely something would give. But when he ousted Novak Djokovic we really started to see a glimpse of something special.

Here in London, Nishikori impressed with his early victory over Andy Murray overcoming real nerves at the start of the match to leave the Brit with a mountain to climb.

Coming up against an inspired Roger Federer on one of his best surfaces was a stark reminder that as consistent as Kei is, he needs to develop some weapons. If he cannot beef up a serve, then get that pinpoint accuracy and placement.

He even gave us our first “real” match when he took on super-sub David Ferrer, who was the first alternate in to replace a crocked Raonic. And he quietly and understatedly got on with the job even though his wrist was causing him issues to put up a good fight against Novak Djokovic.

Japan’s Kei Nishikori returns to Spain’s David Ferrer during their Round Robin match for the ATP World Tour Finals tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London, Britain, 13 November 2014. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Can he stay injury free? With better training and rehab, which he is now focusing on during the season, he will give himself a better chance, but it will be fascinating to see which of the new kids on the block actually stick in the Top 10/Top 5 consistently. Nishikori has got to be worth keeping tabs on.

Topics: Kei Nishikori, Tennis

Follow 10SBALLS.COM on:

Facebook:

Twitter:

10sBalls_com says:

November 17, 2014 at 12:11 pm

KEI #NISHIKORI A GREAT #AMBASSADOR FOR HIS COUNTRY & #TENNIS- http://t.co/NK9zuYuBpv @keinishikori #tennisnews #KeiNishikori #Japan
tomo3_tk says:

November 18, 2014 at 6:08 am

RT @rokooro: KEI NISHIKORI A GREAT AMBASSADOR FOR HIS COUNTRY & TENNIS http://t.co/HWZOIFbgbO