Kei Nishikori is aiming to inspire a new generation of Asian tennis as his Grand Slam career ended in US Open qualifying.
There would be no main draw US Open event for Kei Nishikori after the 2014 finalist fell in the final round of qualifying to compatriot Rei Sakamoto.
It wasn’t to be for Nishikori who fell in straight sets and has now ended his Grand Slam career in New York.
There are a few people who are surprised that Nishikori didn’t receive a US Open wildcard given he was a former finalist but Nishikori was just grateful to compete in US Open qualifying, “Nothing. I was lucky. I mean, I was happy to get in even qualifying,” Nishikori said in his press conference on Friday.
“I know it’s kind of rare to give wildcard someone didn’t win a slam or I don’t have any title in Masters, either. So really happy to be here, and I think Stan deserve it. He won many Grand Slams, and he’s been there for a long time. He’s been still fighting, and I’m really proud and respect Stan what he’s doing now.
“You know, I wish I could win today and go into the main draw, but still, I’m really happy played three matches, three good matches.”
After defeat in qualifying, it is nearing the end of a glorious career with Nishikori set to retire at the end of the season.
Now the former top five player is set to retire but his role within tennis is not over yet as he would like to inspire the next generation of players in Asia, “No plan yet. I hope I can help, especially Japanese or Asian tennis,” Nishikori explained.
“It’s, you know, kind of sad that there is no top-20 or top-30 Asian players after me. That a little bit worries me, but like you see Jason Yibing and Jerry, there is many Chinese player can be top 20, top 10, I hope, and also Rei can be great player. I hope I can, you know, maybe help some way, not right now but maybe in the future, yes. I hope there can be, you know, three or four people in top 20, top 30.”
