Kei Nishikori starts well at Moselle Open as he bids for ATP Finals
Kei Nishikori has defeated defending champion Peter Gojowczyk at the Moselle Open in his first match since the US Open.
The Japanese star and top seed for the tournament gave a good showing in New York, reaching the semi-finals before being overpowered by eventual winner Novak Djokovic.
He looked good in France too, besting the German 7-6 6-3 to move into the quarters.
I had trouble handling his flat balls,” Nishikori said.
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“I had to play defensive tennis and it was a tough match. I gradually got better in the second set. (Victory in) this tournament is key in order to boost my confidence,” he said.
Nishikori, currently ranked 12th in the world, is hoping to win enough points to qualify for the ATP Finals in November, when the top eight ranked players compete for the prestigious title.