Nishikori Hoping For Good Memories Again In NYC

Kei Nishikori is riding major momentum into this year’s US Open. The World No. 7 reached the final at the Rogers Cup in Toronto (l. to Djokovic), a result which helped him clinch the 2016 US Open Series men’s title. 

“I think I have been playing well this summer,” said Nishikori in his pre-tournament press conference on Friday ahead of the US Open. “I took a couple of days off after Cincinnati, and physically I’m feeling good.

“If I can carry that confidence from the summer I think I will have a good chance to go further these two weeks.”

Two years ago at the US Open was Nishikori’s Grand Slam breakthrough. The Japanese star barrelled his way through the draw, defeating Milos Raonic (fourth round), Stan Wawrinka (quarter-finals) and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic (semi-finals) en route to the championship match. Making history by becoming the first Asian man ever to play for the title at a Grand Slam, Nishikori’s quest was halted by Marin Cilic in straight sets.

“I have great memories,” he said. “Things changed a lot also for me… I think I’m a little more patient and playing much better than last year, two years ago.”

The 26 year old from Japan will look to erase memories of last year’s US Open campaign. He was ousted in the first round by then-World No. 41 Benoit Paire in five sets. This year, as the sixth seed, he opens his campaign against Germany’s Benjamin Becker. 

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“He has a great serve, [he’s an] aggressive player,” said Nishikori, who leads their FedEx ATP Head2Head record 2-1. “[It’s] not going to be easy, but I hope I can have great preparation these few days and [be] ready for Monday.”