US Open 2014: Kei Nishikori Reaches the Finals, Defeats Novak Djokovic
The headlines are in! NHK reports, "An unprecedented feat for Japan."
Kei Nishikori, the 10th seed and Japanese tennis sensation made history as he defeated world number 1 Novak Djokovic at the US Open Semifinals, Sunday at the Flushing Meadows in an intense weather conditions with scores, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) 6-3.
It was indeed a wonderful moment of rejoice for the people of Japan, as Nishikori marks a milestone in tennis being the first Japanese player to reach a Grand Slam finals since Jiro Sato who last made that record in 1933 at Wimbledon when he reached the last of his five semifinals; as well as the first to do so from someone in Asia.
The strong support for Nishikori was well evident; a small gathering of some 300 local fans all joined in cheering for him, as they watched the match through a big-screen set up at a local hotel in the rural capital of Matsue, Shimane, in which Nishikori comes from. Some of those present were students from Nishikori's former tennis school, including his former coach Masaki Kashiwagi.
The matched ended at 4am in Japan, and despite the wee hours; Japan couldn't contain its happiness and excitement in congratulating Nishikori. Nishikori, despite having stayed more in Florida since leaving Japan to train is one of Japan's biggest sports stars. With sponsorship from big clothing company Uniqlo, Nissin cup noodles, and a sports drink.
Nishikori has long displayed great potentials while at Bollettiero Academy, receiving the nickname Project 45. The name suggests that he has the abilities to become the highest-ranked Japanese tennis player, even surpassing that of Shuzo Matsuoka's record of No. 46 in 1992.
Nishikori will next meet Marin Cilic, who defeated Roger Federer to reach the finals, Monday.
