Nishikori On Playing Djokovic: ‘I Love The Challenge’
Seven years ago Kei Nishikori earned the biggest win of his life against Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the US Open. Will the Japanese star be able to replicate the feat on Saturday?
“I think it was one of my best matches. Because of that, I think it’s a little better feeling that I have playing here,” Nishikori said. “Even though he’s the best player, I have good memories here playing the US Open and beating him before here. I can be [a] little positive being [at the] US Open.”
On the other hand, the former World No. 4 knows he faces a difficult task. Top-seeded Djokovic is a three-time US Open champion, who can break a tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal this fortnight by lifting his 21st major trophy.
What makes it more daunting for Nishikori is that Djokovic leads their ATP Head2Head series 17-2. The Japanese star has not beaten the Serbian since that day seven years ago at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Djokovic has claimed 16 consecutive matches in their rivalry, with 11 of his victories coming in straight sets.
“Obviously I love the challenge. Now he’s one of the best on the tennis tour. It’s not someone I love to play all the time because obviously he’s the toughest opponent, one or two,” Nishikori said. “I’d rather have someone ranked lower. I always love the challenge. Even though I have a bad record, I always try to be positive. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough one, but I’ll do my best.”
Vitas Gerulaitis beat Jimmy Connors in New York at the 1979 year-end Masters, snapping a 16-match losing streak against his countryman before famously quipping, “Let that be a lesson to you all. Nobody beats Vitas Gerulaitis 17 times in a row!”
What will it take for Nishikori to be able to say the same on Saturday?
“I have to stay patient. I still have to play great tennis to beat him,” Nishikori said. “[At the] same time, I have to be aggressive. He’s not going to give me any free points, so I have to earn the points. I think being aggressive is the key.”
Djokovic has spent 336 weeks atop the FedEx ATP Rankings, so there are few if any holes in his game. But what is he best at?
“I think his best thing is controlling the ball. He can hit anywhere from both sides,” Nishikori said. “He’s been serving well. Best return on the Tour. Maybe compared to other guys, [he makes] less unforced errors. He has everything. I think that’s a couple of good things.”
Nishikori does not look at his draw, so he did not know he would be playing Djokovic until after his second-round win against American Mackenzie McDonald. But now he know he will have to bring his best to have a chance at springing a surprise inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“Of course it’s not [my] favourite to play Novak. You can see my record,” Nishikori said. “You don’t want to play third round [against the] No. 1 player. That’s very obvious. Now I have to, so I’ll try to do my best.”