Number 1 would be a stretch but a top 3 ranking is definitely a possibllity with Nadal's injury history and Federer nearing the end of his career. To be number 1 a player needs an X factor which gives him an edge over other players. Nishikori has a great backhand and foot movement but he needs to improve his serve and be able to beat players more quickly in straight sets. Playing full set matches increases his risk of injury, makes him less able to beat the top ranked players and thus makes becoming number 1 more difficult.
Sure he can make number one. He got this far didn't he? Anything's possible.
But sports commentators need to get away from the excuses 'He's too short' (187cm is not short), 'He doesn't have the reach', or other ethno-centric copouts. Likewise when he finally does make they shouldn't attribute it to some ethereal quality such as 'yamato damashi'. The other number ones made it that far without it didn't they? Dude made the final of the US open. Nishikori wouldn't have got in at all if he was that handicapped.
He's a good player, he has a real shot, and I say good luck to him, on those merits alone.
Possible, but not likely. To be Number #1 you must be great on all surfaces, and he is really only world-class indoors and on hard-courts. He struggles with grass and clay.
He definitely has the potential to become the number one in the world and he shown that this year. But the thing is, he needs to get stronger physically. If hes capable of minimizing his injuries, then yes, he can be the next legend without a doubt. I am a really big fan of Nishikori and hope 2015 will be a better year for him.
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375sensei
Number 1 would be a stretch but a top 3 ranking is definitely a possibllity with Nadal's injury history and Federer nearing the end of his career. To be number 1 a player needs an X factor which gives him an edge over other players. Nishikori has a great backhand and foot movement but he needs to improve his serve and be able to beat players more quickly in straight sets. Playing full set matches increases his risk of injury, makes him less able to beat the top ranked players and thus makes becoming number 1 more difficult.
Probie
No.
Onniyama
Watched him play quite a bit this year. Yes, I think he can become number 1. He has a lot of heart and tenacity.
onagagamo
Nope.
budgie
Sure he can make number one. He got this far didn't he? Anything's possible.
But sports commentators need to get away from the excuses 'He's too short' (187cm is not short), 'He doesn't have the reach', or other ethno-centric copouts. Likewise when he finally does make they shouldn't attribute it to some ethereal quality such as 'yamato damashi'. The other number ones made it that far without it didn't they? Dude made the final of the US open. Nishikori wouldn't have got in at all if he was that handicapped.
He's a good player, he has a real shot, and I say good luck to him, on those merits alone.
Kurobune
375sensei was nice about it. Probie was short and sweet. No. 1 ? I don't really think so. Top 3 ? Maybe.
jerseyboy
Possible, but not likely. To be Number #1 you must be great on all surfaces, and he is really only world-class indoors and on hard-courts. He struggles with grass and clay.
stevsat
He definitely has the potential to become the number one in the world and he shown that this year. But the thing is, he needs to get stronger physically. If hes capable of minimizing his injuries, then yes, he can be the next legend without a doubt. I am a really big fan of Nishikori and hope 2015 will be a better year for him.