Mirnyi Excited To Lead Team Japan, Happy With Nishikori's Preparations
Max Mirnyi has been working hard with Kei Nishikori ahead of the 12-team ATP Cup, which has pitted Japan in Group D alongside Russia and Argentina.
”We did the maximum we could do being in a room environment,” said Mirnyi, on coming out of the 14-day quarantine in Melbourne. “There was a lot of physical activity going on. My room was next to Kei’s room. I could see there was a lot of medicine ball activity, weights, running and jumping.
“We’re all going to be just happy and glad that the tournaments are here for us to play. Hopefully, by the time the tournament starts, everybody is going to be ready in the best possible way for the event.”
Nishikori said, “I am new to play this tournament, so I’m a little bit nervous. I don’t know how it’s going to be. I will just try to play my best tennis. I feel okay after being two weeks in a room.”
Mirnyi, who joined Nishikori’s coaching team in December 2019 after a 22-year-old professional career, will act as Japan’s captain this week. He will also working alongside Toshihide Matsui, Yoshihito Nishioka and Ben McLachlan.
[WATCH LIVE 1]Japan plays its first Group D tie against Russia on Wednesday and Nishioka, who went 2-1 in last year’s tournament that included a strong performance against Rafael Nadal, is looking forward to meeting Andrey Rublev.
“He had a great year last year,” said Nishioka. “I know it’s going to be very tough for me. Last year I had a great time in this tournament, so hopefully this year our team, with Kei coming back and also a new captain, we [have] got more power. I’m ready for play against Rublev. He’s going to be very aggressive, so I need to be ready for that and just figure out how to beat him. That’s going to be very important.”
Mirnyi added, “It’s a very exciting event. I had great fun viewing it on the television last year. It’s great to be part of it this year. We’re excited to be here with this line-up.”