"Beating Federer is a little bit of a crazy feeling" - Kei Nishikori Interview

Kei Nishikori celebrates after winning his men’s singles third round match against Roger Federer at the Madrid Masters on May 9, 2013. (Getty Images)

Japan’s Kei Nishikori is among the crop of young players on the ATP Tour aiming to break into the top 10. That group also includes the likes of Milos Roanic, Bernard Tomic, Grigor Dimitrov, Jerzy Janowicz and Ryan Harrison.

23-year-old Nishikori first broke on to the tennis scene in 2008 by winning the Delray Beach ATP event and cracking the top 100. A right elbow injury, which required surgery, forced him out for much of 2009. But Nishikori, who moved to the US at the age of 14 to train at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in Florida and didn’t speak a word of English when he arrived, bounced back. In 2011, he became the highest ranked Japanese tennis male player in history, surpassing Shuzo Matsuoka’s ranking of no. 46.

Nishikori won his second ATP title in Tokyo last year and broke into the world’s top 20 for the first time. This year, he has a title in Memhis and last week, he stunned 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer in three sets on his way to the quarters of the Mutua Madrid Open.

Sportskeeda brings you this exclusive interview after Haresh Ramchandani caught up with Nishikori.

It’s been a few days now since you beat your idol Roger Federer. Has it sunk in yet? And what are your emotions now on the match and the win?

It’s a little bit of a crazy feeling. Roger was my idol for many years. I have a lot of respect for him. To beat him on clay, which is not my preferred surface, feels good. I’m sure it will sink in more in the coming days. Overall, it’s another big step in my career to beat one of the top 4 guys.

How difficult is it to come back on court after such a big win and play against a player who you are expected to beat?

I have learned in the last few years that every match can be tough. I am a pretty calm person and I prepare the same for every match. Also, as one moves higher in the rankings, it becomes like this. Every match becomes tough because you are the favourite.

China’s Li Na became the first Asian to win a grand slam singles title in 2011. Can you talk a little bit about what impact has that had on you? Do you feel Asians are at a disadvantage when it comes to tennis as compared to players from other nations?

For sure, it is always an inspiration. I think I made a big statement when I decided to the United States at a young age. I learned to practice with the best at IMG Academy from a young age. It was a big chance for me and everything just started happening there. I had the best coaches, the best hitters, the best facilities. My manager is from there as well. I would encourage Asians to find facilities like this where the training is really professional.

What are your goals for this season?

My goal is to keep improving. The next goal for me is the top 10 but I’m not setting a date or a year on this. I guess my most important goal is to get fitter and stronger. I’m putting a lot of time on fitness this year. I’m playing fewer tournaments and have planned 4 extra weeks this year just to work with my trainer on fitness. I think this will help me achieve my goals.

Nishikori is currently ranked a career high no. 15 in the world. He defeated the Italian Paolo Lorenzi in straight sets of this week’s Italian Open in Rome and plays Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Wednesday. Sportskeeda wishes him all the best for Rome and the upcoming grand slam events.