Ambassador of Elegance
1 hour ago
Kei Nishikori's homecoming; ready for AIG Japan Open
Kei Nishikori (錦織圭) is finally back home in Japan.
Nishikori currently ranked No. 85 in the world will play in the AIG Japan Open Tennis Championships 2008 to be held at the Ariake Colosseum and Ariake Tennis Forest Park's courts in Koto Ward, Tokyo, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5.
According to Nishikori, Japan is a significant place to play."The AIG Open is the most important tournament of the year for me because it is extraordinary for me to play in Japan," he said recently in an interview.
Nishikori, 18, became the first Japanese to advance to the fourth round of the U.S. Open in 71 years beating David Ferrer along the way.
"If I can attain good results [in the upcoming tournament], this year will be a really good season for me."
Ferrer, who is the defending champion here at the AIG Open, will also be joining in by other top players like Richard Gasquet, Juan Martin del Potro, Fernando Gonzalez, Gael Monfils and Tommy Robredo.
Arriving at the Narita International Airport in the afternoon, Nishikori were flocked and welcomed by a large group of journalists and paparazzi.
(Images via nickstennispicks.com, sankei.jp.msn.com, AIG Open website)
4 drop shot(s):
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Hey HCFoo, it should be a great tournament! I'm anxious to see what Nishikori does for the rest of the year.
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Great to see him back to his home!
Can't wait for the draw, if he's draw to Ferrer's half! lol
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Nishikori has a big responsibility to revive Japan's tennis. I hope he won't get too nervous like last year and enjoy his home country event.
I saw all 4 matches at US Open this year in New York. He became a different player mentally. I believe he can advance to QF if his physical condition allows.
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Tennisnakama: Thanks for dropping by!
I agree with you he's Japan biggest hope and asset. With him faraway from the local media and paparazzi, I think he'll do well.
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