Japan’s Kei Nishikori became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam final when he swept past seven-time major winner Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals on Saturday.
Nishikori, the first Japanese man since 1918 to reach the semifinals in New York Nike Air Force 1 Mid 07 Bianche Nere Scontate , goes on to face Croatia’s Marin Cilic who overwhelmed 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, in Monday’s championship match.
His victory over Wimbledon champion Djokovic will go down as one of the sport’s greatest shocks.
The top seed was also looking to make his third Grand Slam final of 2014.
In contrast, prior to Saturday, the 24-year-old Nishikori’s best effort had been a run to the quarterfinals of the 2012 Australian Open.
“I don’t know what’s going on Uomo Nike Air Force 1 Basse Nere Bianche Scontate ,” said a breathless Nishikori. “I was a little bit tight especially as it was my first semifinal in a Grand Slam but it’s just an amazing feeling to beat the number one player.
“It was tough conditions, it was a little heavy and humid but I guess I love to play long matches.”
Nishikori said that the key was to forget about the one-sided second set.
“He started to play much better, very consistent and more aggressive. I tried to forget about the second set and tried to concentrate again.”
The Florida-based star also praised the work of coach Michael Chang, a Grand Slam winner with the French Open title in 1989.
“He’s been helping me a lot. We’ve been working well so that’s why I’m here.”
Djokovic, playing in his 17th semifinal of the last 18 Grand Slam events, admitted Nishikori was the better player.
“He played some great tennis. I congratulate him for the effort. He was the better player today,” said the Serb.
“I think he wasn’t using forehand as well as he does now. His backhand is very solid. One of the best double-handed backhands from all over the court. Really aggressive. He’s very quick Nike Air Force 1 Basse Nere Scontate , so he gets a lot of balls back. Uses every short ball to attack. I think now he’s all-around player.”
Despite playing back-to-back five-setters over eight and half hours to get to the semifinal, 10th seed Nishikori showed no signs of fatigue, breaking for 2-1 in the opener.
The world number one retrieved it immediately, but the Japanese star [url=http://www.airforce1scontate.it/nike-air-force-1-mid-07-nere-scontate