Kei Nishikori has some advice for Asian players aspiring to crack the Top 10—move.
In the aftermath of his 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jeremy Chardy in the Australian Open second round, Nishikori was asked if an Asian man could make the Top 10 and contend for major titles while based in Asia.
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Nishikori, who was born in Shimane, Japan, but moved to Bradenton, Florida as a teenager to train at the IMG Academy, said the extensive travel required to reach tournaments makes it a tough assignment for Asian-based men to make a major impact.
“Yeah, for me, was really lucky that I moved to the U.S., able to hit with all the top players in IMG Academy,” Nishikori said. “I think that helps a lot to see how they playing. I realized that when I was young. It was really big step for me.
“Well, I don't want to say that it's impossible if you're staying in Asia to make top 10, but I think it's still tough, based on Asia. It's so many traveling, and I'm not sure if there is good practice partner, or you're not able to get a chance to hit with the top players. Definitely it's not easy.
“Yeah, for me, if I will be coaching, I would suggest to go in Europe or U.S., you know, for practice sometimes when you are junior or when you are really young.”
Next up for Nishikori is a third-round meeting with Lukas Lacko with the winner meeting either 10th-seeded Tomas Berdych or possibly No. 17-seeded Roger Federer in the fourth round.
"I hink he's playing well. I see some of the matches," Nishikori said of Federer. "Yeah, I'm just really happy that he's back on the tour. Yeah, for sure, I want to play match against him. It's always enjoyable, and it's always a big challenge for me. I hope we can play sometime."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve