Kei Nishikori played some amazing tennis in the quarterfinals to knock one of the tournament favourites Andy Murray out of the US Open. The Japanese will be keen to maintain that form as he faces another big player, Stan Wawrinka, in the seminfinals of the competition on Friday.
The sixth seed looked in form during the five-set affair against Murray, who could not get past the Japanese star. Nishikori won the match 6-1, 4-6, 4-6, 1-6, 5-7. It must have been satisfying for Nishikori to oust Murray, but he will want more, and look to reach the finals, at least, by defeating another higher seed player in the semi-finals.
Nishikori showed some great character after going 1-2 (sets) down, but he took his game to the next level in the fourth and fifth set against Murray. He hit some incredible winners, and grabbed important points to stun the second seed.
He does not want to say that was the best tennis he ever player, but was pleased with his fightback.
"It's tough to say one of the best tennis, but, yeah, some moments I think I played great tennis. I was feeling the ball really well. You know, I think I lost two, three times fifth sets my serve.Yeah, so, I mean, cannot be the best, but still play, you know, great tennis to beat Andy. Especially last few games, you know, it was really a lot of pressure. Especially lost my serve 4-3, and I have to refocus again," US Open's official website quoted Nishikori as saying.
"It was really tight moment. I think it's gonna help for sure my experience. Yeah, very looking forward to play semis again here."
The 2014 US Open runners-up will be eager to carry that momentum against Wawrinka, who will also be buoyed after reaching the semis. The Swiss has been consistent, and won matches with decent ease. However, he did survive a scare against Great Britain's Daniel Evans, who took the third seed to five sets, in the third round.
Wawrinka set up a date with Nishikori after having defeated Del Potro in the quarters. These two players are no strangers to one another as they have played five matches, with Wawrinka winning three. But the Swiss will be aware of his last loss in the Canadian Masters, which Nishikori won.
Wawrinka, who is a powerful player from the baseline, has it in him to reach his first ever US Open final. The Swiss is ready for the tie against the Japanese star, which is expected to be a cracker.
"Well, it's going to be interesting for sure. We played many times against each other. He beat me a few years ago here quarterfinal five sets. He beat me in Toronto; I beat him in Australia. I saw him play today. He was playing really well," Wawrinka said.
"It's going to be tough match, for sure. We will see also how I'm going to feel physically in two days to get ready for that. But, yeah, I'm ready for a match against Kei."
Where to watch live
Stan Wawrinka vs Kei Nishikori US Open 2016 semifinalsis scheduled for 4:30 p.m local time ( 2 am IST, 9:30 p.m BST) Live Streaming and TV information is below.
India: TV: Ten 1 and Ten 1 HD. Live Streaming: Tensports live.
US: TV: ESPN. Live Streaming: Watch ESPN.
Europe: TV: EuroSport. Live Streaming: EuroSport Player.
Canada: TV: TSN. Live Streaming: TSN TV.
Australia: TV: Fox Sports. Live Streaming: Foxtel.
Middle East: TV: Bein Sports Arabia. Live Streaming: Bein Sports Connect.
International: Live Streaming: US Open website.
