TENNIS ATP FINALS 2014 – Kei Nishikori d. David Ferrer 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Group B
Q. You have a pretty fantastic three set record this year. I’m wondering if you think that is because of your improved fitness? Is it because of confidence? What are you thinking now when you go into a third set?
KEI NISHIKORI: I don’t know. I don’t know why I always win third set. It’s been long time, so it’s not like my physical. I think it’s more mental thing. I try to stay there all the time. Try to stay focus first couple games.
Obviously today I was up 3 0 in the first couple games. I was more relax, you know, till the end.
I mean, also physical, you know. You have to be really fit to play three sets. But for me, I think it’s more mental. Stay there all the time and, you know, be very positive and strong.
Q. You were expecting to play a tall, big server. Quite soon before the match you find out you’re playing Ferrer. How difficult was that?
KEI NISHIKORI: You know, I was surprised little bit because I didn’t know he was injured, Milos. I wasn’t expecting, you know, David is coming. But we played a lot of times. We know each other, how we play.
Even they change one hour before, I was ready to play anybody. You know, both tough players. I mean, I didn’t want to play both players, but luckily I won today. So very happy to win today.
Q. How did you feel today when you heard about the swap? Were you relieved at all to be playing David?
KEI NISHIKORI: No, yeah, like I said, I didn’t want to play both players. They both, you know, tough players. Milos has big serve. But David is, you know, very, very tough player also.
You know, I just need to be mentally ready against David. We just play a week ago or two weeks ago in Paris. I knew it’s going to be tough match.
Q. It’s still not final yet, but if you go through to the semis, you’ll probably play Djokovic. Can you talk about playing the top three as against playing the other guys? How difficult it is or how different it is, what you will be required to do?
KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, don’t want to say too much because I want to see how the match goes.
But, you know, Novak has been playing amazing this year. I just played him in Paris. He’s very, very solid. Good serve, good forehand, backhands. Doesn’t have much weakness. I think right now he’s the most fit player.
Two days ago lost to Roger. He’s still big player, you know. Yeah, I think little bit different. Rafa, Roger, Novak is little bit ahead of those top 10 guys. But I think we getting close.
I’ve been beating them couple times, so I think little more experience. If I learn little bit how to win to them, I think I can be really, really close to them.
Q. How will you follow tonight’s match? Will you watch it or just get score updates?
KEI NISHIKORI: I don’t think so. I just going to wait for result ’cause I want to eat good dinner today. It’s going to be same time. I think I will just see the result.
Q. It’s your first time at the year end championships. How would you like to see this event back in Asia?
KEI NISHIKORI: That would be really nice for me. You know, play in Asia, I feel more support, very comfortable to play.
But, you know, even here, it’s amazing feeling I have. It’s very exciting to come first time playing here. Hopefully it comes to Japan or Asia sometimes.
You know, anywhere is fine for me.