Monday 18 February 2008

Who is Kei Nishikori ?


Well, I've got to be honest until Sunday's final of the Delray Beach International I'd never heard of Nishikori. And when he lost the first set 6-3 I assumed it would be a routine win for Blake. So it was great to see him take Blake apart in the next two sets with his backhand.

Apparently he's the first Japanese player to win an ATP event in more than 15 years. And the 18 year old's character as well as his shot making suggests this will not be his only victory.

He showed real balls in the semi when he battled back from a set down against big serving Sam Querry, saving 4 match points in the process. And then he went one better in the final when he refused to be intimidated by the occasion or Blake's status as top seed. Way to go Kei!

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