Kei Nishikori powers into Tokyo semi finals but Kevin Anderson hopes ended
Kei Nishikori is in the semi-finals of the Japan Open after downing Greek up-and-comer Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The home favourite was in dominant mood against Tsitsipas, powering to a 6-3 6-3 win.
“I think it was one of the best service matches I’ve had the past couple of months,” Nishikori said.
“I’m very happy with my serve. I had many free points, many aces and only a few games I struggled today, so I was serving really well.
“That’s why I was able to be aggressive on my return games.”
Nishikori will face Richard Gasquet next, after he continued his impressive renaissance by beating Kevin Anderson 7-6 7-6.
“It was a great match, I played well. It was really intense, every single point. I played my best level.
.@DjokerNole has warned that he is ‘hungrier than ever to win more Grand Slams’. https://t.co/g6hmKiPBPz
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) October 3, 2018
“You need to play very good when you are facing Kevin.
“I played two incredible tiebreaks, that’s why I think I won the match. I’m very happy with the way I played.
“I’m playing well, I’m free of injuries. I can play well, I can practice, that’s why I’m playing this level.
“Of course I’m winning tough tie-breaks this week.
“That’s great for me. Of course I’m serving well.
“I’m not making bad mistakes and I was offensive at the end of the match to close it.”
