Brisbane International Tennis - Australian Open Series

Nishikori makes his move

Nishikori makes his move

AAP Thursday 8 January 2009 13 Comments »

Exciting Japanese rising star Kei Nishikori, 19, upset world No.20 and fifth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6(7) 6-3 to book a Thursday quarterfinal clash with France’s Paul-Henri Mathieu.

Nishikori came into the tournament ranked as the world No.61 but may have to re-think his “Project 45″ nickname judging by his current form.

He earned his moniker at his training base, Florida’s famous Bollettieri Academy, as his major goal is to get to world No.45 – one better than Japanese record of No.46 set by Shuzuo Matsuoka in 1992.

He moved more than 200 spots to be the youngest player in the top 100 for 2008, winning through to the US Open fourth round on debut and claiming his maiden ATP title along the way.

Men’s singles round 2
Kei Nishikori (JPN) d [5] Tomas Berdych (CZE) 7-6(7) 6-3

[8] Radek Stepanek (CZE) d Michael Llodra (FRA) 7-6(2) 6-3

[2] Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) d Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) 0-6 7-6(1) 7-6(5)

[3] Fernando Verdasco (ESP) d Mario Ancic (CRO) 6-2 6-3

Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) d Ernests Gulbis (LAT) 6-3 6-4

Florent Serra (FRA) d Jurgen Melzer (AUT) 6-4 6-3

Women’s singles round 2
Olga Govortsova (BLR) d Sesil Karatantcheva (BUL) 6-0 5-7 7-5

[1] Ana Ivanovic (SRB) d Roberta Vinci (ITA) 6-7(4) 7-5 6-1

Sara Errani (ITA) d Tsvetana Pironkova (BUL) 6-7(3) 7-5 6-3

[5] Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) d Julie Coin (FRA) 5-7 6-2 7-6(11)

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  • Go!Kei

    Great job Kei! Knew you would do it!! Keep on going through to the Final!

  • Yuka

    We Japanese fans are all watching you closely & earnestly from Japan, Kei. You can make it, and we believe you will.
    Why am I not in Bris this week?!
    Best wishes for the next match!

  • Pete

    Go Nishi!!!!!!!

  • Dr.MORO

    Kei-kun, Gan-BaRe!!!
    Oh-En Si-Te-Ru Yo!!!

  • Azalea

    It was fantastic to be able to watch Kei play so well and win over Berdych, who is a wonderful player, last night (or early this morning our time around 5 am) here in California far away from Beautiful Brisbane !!!

    Kei, have fun and keep going in Australia ! Can’t wait to watch him in person in San Jose next month !

  • Charmaine and Dean

    Well done Kei! We are so proud of you.
    Say hi to Glenn from us….

  • weloveKEI

    KEI! u will be No.1!
    加油！

  • Komaba

    Go! Go! Kei-chan.

  • Big Phil

    A star in the making!

  • Waka

    Fantastic! You are the No.1!

  • Ree

    This guy just blasted out of nowhere last year, and I’ve been following his career with great interest ever since. Go go go! I’ve got tickets to the final, and I’m crossing my fingers that he makes it all the way.

  • Steve

    Air-Kei,

    You are an amazing and rising star.
    Next time you visit Australia, I will definitely get ticket and watch you play in person.

    Take care of your condition.

  • http://Non Yonago-jin

    Your performance in brisbane excited me.
    We all love your tennis!
    Go! Kei.
    You’re great!

    Next Australia, I will cheer you through Internet from Japan.

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