Back to Nishikori reaches first Brisbane semifinal

Nishikori reaches first Brisbane semifinal

4 January 2013, by Brisbane International Tennis

UPDATE 5.30pm: Japan’s Kei Nishikori has upset last year’s Brisbane International runner-up Alexandr Dolgopolov in straight sets 6-4, 7-6(3) to reach the last four.

The pair were only separated by one place in the rankings (Dolgopolov 18 and Nishikori 19) coming into the match, but it was Nishikori who was able to maintain greater consistency in the 1h 27min affair.

“It was a good match. I think it was my best match this week,” Nishikori said.

“I’m very happy with the way I played, really offensive and aggressive and using my forehand so I’m looking forward to playing my next match.”

In a match destined for the unorthodox between the two quick-footed youngsters, not a piece of court was left untouched during the opening exchanges, but Nishikori proved the player finding the lines at the crucial moments, breaking the Ukrainian’s opening service game and serving out the set 6-4.

Despite Dolgopolov launching a spirited comeback after being down an early break in the second set, the Ukrainian was not at the devastating best that took him to last year’s final and the all-court prowess of Nishikori proved too much in the tiebreak, sealing the match with a smash. 

A smaller player on tour, Nishikori knows he has to put in the miles on court, but he was more than happy with five aces during today’s match.

“I don’t have a good serve like Raonic or some other guys, so I know I have to run a lot. I play like David Ferrer and try to get to every ball and have less unforced errors,” he said.

“I think I had five aces today and that’s good enough for me. Everything was solid today; it’s just the first week of the tour, but it’s looking good.”

Nishikori, who was a quarterfinalist in Brisbane in 2009, will meet top seed Andy Murray in the semifinals.

The 23-year-old lost to Murray in the quarterfinal of a memorable 2012 Australian Open, which remains his best result at a Grand Slam.

“He could be the next No.1 player, so it’s going to be tough,” he said.

“He always plays well and he doesn’t give me any easy points, so hopefully I play well and aggressive and try to get to the net more often.”

The men’s semis will be played on Saturday on Pat Rafter Arena.