First impressions

Been a crazy week so not had a chance to watch any action from Queens until last night's Nadal v Nishikori. (I even had to pass up a spare ticket offered to me from a friend who is a member at Queens for the after work slot on Tuesday. Nearly killed me.)

So i really enjoyed watching the second set and most of the third of the first meeting between Nadal and Japan's rising star Nishikori.

For the past six months I've heard a lot of good things about Kei but this was my first proper look and he didnt disappoint. He looked good, real good. Which comes as no surprise given his success in San Jose and quick rise through the rankings.

He held his own against Rafa before losing in 3. He showed a nice variety of shots: a beautiful angled drop shot played from behind the baseline, a thumping two handed backhand winner down the line, crisp serve volleying, and an impressive forehand. The second set - which he won - was especially impressive.

Two service games held to love sandwiched another service game when he was 0 - 30 down. Many would buckle against Rafa in such circumstances. But Kei came up with a series of winners and took 4 points in a row to hold serve.

Based on what I saw last night there will be plenty of seeds who won't fancy drawing him in the early rounds at Wimbledon.