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.
Victoria Azarenka makes Tokyo quarters; Naomi Osaka opponent revealed.https://t.co/ricT6655aD
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) September 20, 2018
“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.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Tennis Top 10WTA top 10 prize-money earners in 2020: Sofia Kenin at No 1 as Serena Williams and Ashleigh Barty miss out
Your WTA top 10 prize-money earners in 2020.
-
Tennis FeaturesThe ATP Finals in London from 2009-2020 by numbers: 850 million viewers, $78.8m in prize money
Impressive figures from the ATP Finals at The O2 Arena.
-
ATP TourJuan Martin del Potro eyes Olympics, but says ‘I will continue to lie to myself’ if dream doesn’t materialise
Juan Martin del Potro dreaming of the Olympics.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2015: Andy Murray inspires Great Britain to Davis Cup victory
Great Britain had not won the Davis Cup since 1936.
-
Kevin PalmerRecalling how Britain won the 2015 Davis Cup final amid a backdrop of terror
Kevin Palmer recalls the dramatic 2015 Davis Cup final.
-
Kevin PalmerEXCLUSIVE – On the fifth anniversary of Britain’s Davis Cup win, captain Leon Smith reflects on glorious year
On this day five years ago, Britain won the Davis Cup.
-
Tennis NewsNovak Djokovic ‘met the goal he set out at the beginning of the season’, says his coach
A good season for Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis Top 10ATP top 10 prize-money earners in 2020: Novak Djokovic at No 1 with two surprise names on the list
Novak Djokovic sitting pretty at No 1.
-
WTA TourWTA to adopt ATP-style categories with events changed to WTA Masters, WTA 500, WTA 250?
Changes in line for WTA categories, according to a report.
-
Tennis NewsDominic Thiem hopes to emulate his coach and experience ‘incredible’ medal winning emotions at Olympics
Dominic Thiem sets sights on Tokyo Olympics.