Kei Nishikori’s 2015 season has ended in defeat after being edged out in three close sets by world No.3 Roger Federer.
The loss is a disappointing way for the world No.8 to end his season after reaching the quarterfinals or higher in 13 out of his 18 tournaments this year. Nevertheless, if Nishikori has to end the year with a loss, it would be against Federer, a player who he has great admiration for.
The high amount of respect from Nishikori for Federer comes from when he was 16-years-old and practicing with the 17-time Grand Slam champion. At the time Federer predicted great things for Nishikori due to his speed on the court. The Swiss player was proven to be right when Nishikori became the first Asian player in history to reach the top 10 in the rankings last year. The mutual respect between them both has lead to Nishikori labelling Federer as the player he ‘most respected’.
“I still have, I think most respect on the tour for Roger because the way he plays, it’s just beautiful tennis. I love to watch him too”. The 25-year-old said.
With such a high level of respect, it is assumed that Nishikori must find if difficult playing the 34-year-old, however, he disagrees.
“In a match it’s different. I’ve been playing really well. I have a lot of confidence and I have beaten him a couple times already”. Nishikori said.
Despite losing for the fourth time to the world No.3, Nishikori was still pleased with his performance. The Japanese player broke his opponent five times during the match, converting 5/12 break points. The one area he was especially please about was with his attacking play against Federer’s second serve. Federer played 43 second service points with Nishikori winning 30 of them.
Apart from the positive aspects, the world No.8 has also admitted that he needs to improve on certain areas for the 2016 season concerning his service and physicality.
“I think is going to be really important, making a lot of first serves. I’m not a guy who ace’s a lot, so I need to raise the percentage little bit more”. He said.
“I think Physically, I have to be a little more strong”. Nishikori later added.
Nishikori ends the year with 3 ATP titles (Memphis, Barcelona and Washington). He has won 54 matches this season, equaling his career best set last year, and will finish the year ranked inside the top ten for the second consecutive time.
