Osaka’s Slam wins will motivate me: Nishikori
dubai — The football-obsessed Japan rolled out the red carpet for Kei Nishikori after he became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final at the 2014 US Open.
But Nishikori, 29, the first Asian to be a top-five player and also the first Asian to qualify for the prestigious year-end ATP World Tour Championships — admits that Naomi Osaka is now an even bigger star in Japan following her back-to-back Grand Slam wins.
“It’s much more than me. She has won two Grand Slams in a row,” Nishikori said of Osaka who became the first Asian to be ranked world number one.
“A year ago she wasn’t ranked top 10. Suddenly everything changed. She’s No. 1. Everything is different. Being No. 1, winning Grand Slams, that’s something I never had before. It’s a bit different. It’s more than me.”
Osaka, 21, the youngest woman since Martina Hingis to win back-to-back Slams — was in tears after losing her first match as world No.1 last week in Dubai.
But Nishikori believes Osaka has what it takes to cope with the pressure of expectations.
“I’m sure she’s going to adapt. She just needs time. She has been great mentally, very strong, calm. She doesn’t panic too much. I’m sure she will get used to the pressure,” said Nishikori before adding that he would draw inspiration from Osaka’s Grand Slam wins.
“Yeah, of course, we are from the same country. She’s been amazing. Her wins will always motivate me,” he said.
Nishikori, who will be making his Dubai debut this week, says the competition is getting tougher and tougher in men’s tennis.
“Even top 50 or top 100 guys can really play. There are no easy matches,” said Nishikori who will face the dangerous Frenchman Benoit Paire in the Dubai first round.
“Benoit, he can always be dangerous. Great backhand. I love his backhand. He has one of the best backhands in the game. I’m sure it’s going to be tough one.”