Kei can’t replicate Federer stunner
KEI NISHIKORI bowed out of the ATP Finals with a whimper four days after his shock win over Roger Federer.
The Japanese world No9 looked poised to end the season on a high after taking the scalp of six-time winner Federer in their opening match at the O2 Arena.
But in the next three sets he played, Nishikori won just two games as he was pulverised 6-0, 6-1 by Kevin Anderson on Tuesday, before Dominic Thiem won yesterday’s opener 6-1.
Nishikori smashed his racket in disgust but did make a better fist of the second set, although he was powerless to prevent Thiem running out a 6-1, 6-4 winner.
“I felt fresh, but I just didn’t feel the ball this week,” said Nishikori. “It could be the court or the ball. I don’t know. But I just didn’t play well this week.
“I was the same in the last match too, and there were too many unforced errors for me. I made it really easy [for Thiem] today. He was also playing well but I think I gave him too many free points.”
Thiem, the Austrian world No8, was relieved to break his duck at the event following straight-sets defeats by Anderson and Federer.
“I just went into the match wanting to show my real self again because two days ago [against Federer] was really bad,” he said.
“I did not feel good to play such a match in front of such a big crowd and everything. I wanted to have a much better game today. That’s what I did.”
THE ATP have launched their new annual world team event, which will be held in Australia at the start of 2020.
The ATP Cup will last 10 days and be spread across three cities, starting a week before the Australian Open.
Ranking points will be on offer along with an £11.75million prize pot, with qualification based on the ranking of a country’s No1 player.