tennis

Djokovic beats Nishikori to set up semifinal clash with Federer at Australian Open

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Well, he did well to get this far, but this game was definitive proof of a pro vs. less of one. He had zero chance in this game. I hope in all his good words about Federer Djokovic also had something encouraging to say to Nishikori.

-5 ( +6 / -11 )

Kei didn't just lose, he got crushed, though most of it was due to his own poor play.

The first two sets were particularly bad for Nishikori, while he struggled with his serve in the third. All in all, a pretty boring match. Not Djokovic's best tennis, to say the least, but still there was no point in the match where he ever had to fret about losing.

Better luck next time, Nishikori.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

Djokovic was off key in his prior match (he after the QF that he didn't practice at all yesterday to reset), but Nishikori has to show up (like he did at the US open in 2014) if he wants to have even a chance to beat the number one.

All in all though, a good tournament for Nishikori, reaching as far as his seeding suggested he should. Looking forward to seeing his post match interviews.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Gokurosama, Kei-san. On to Roland Garros in May.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

In other words, Uniqlo beat Uniqlo.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

just more proof Kei cant handle the pressure near the business end of big tournaments, especially when hes playing the top guys, one down, three to go.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

just more proof Kei cant handle the pressure near the business end of big tournaments

Exactly. To make a "real" name for yourself, you got to be beat the top doggs. Nishikori didn't even come close. & I'm tired of him getting so much attention lately when all he does is come-up short.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

With Roger Federer aging and Rafael Nadal spending half of his time injured, I'll give Djokovic 3 years to be the all-time Men's Grand Slam leader. The only thing that will stop him is if he starts getting injured or someone rises from the ashes to be just as dominating.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Nishikori didn't have the patience to grind out groundstrokes with Djokovic. Kei was going for finishing shots too early - the first 2 sets, the average was only 3-4 strokes per play.

If ya wanna win against the Djoker, ya have to accept that your body will get punished - be ready to grind it out. Don't plan for the easier way for your body; tough it out.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

The Australian commentators pointed out that even though Nishikori's winnings come nowhere near those of Djokovic he makes up a hell of a lot on sponsorships and endorsements. Most of these will be with Japanese companies, I suspect, like endorsing instant noodles. Perhaps this rather saps the incentive to push yourself to be even better if you can make money so easily just being the best Japanese. It didn't seem to do much for the young male golfer, widely touted as a potential major winner and whose face was all over the place a few years back and whose name I forget. Nor for his female counterparts.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

This tournament Nishikori showed why he is in the top ranking and also what mental application is needed to be top. He's still young (ish) so not over yet.

And the media here need to give him some breathing space. Last night one nhk commentator commented he had been previously playing under cover and last night was open air so this was a negative for him. Geez - just shut up.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

just more proof Kei cant handle the pressure near the business end of big tournaments

you got to be beat the top doggs.

all he does is come-up short.

All such silly comments. Nishikori defeated Djokovic in a major tourny match in the past, there's no reason to think that he "can't" do it again. As Yoda says, there is only do, or do not. Yesterday he clearly did not, but that's certainly no reason to believe he will never ever be able to again in the future.

And obvious as day he can beat the top dogs, because... he has... including Djokovic himself not once, but twice.

most of it was due to his own poor play.

One of the few analytical comments on this story, and basically about right. Djokovic is a tough opponent but Nishikori was responsible for a lot of the points he didn't win.

But he has the ability to be in with a chance, it's more a matter of being in the right head-space.

This tournament Nishikori showed why he is in the top ranking and also what mental application is needed to be top. He's still young (ish) so not over yet.

Exactly.

It didn't seem to do much for the young male golfer, widely touted as a potential major winner

Unlike Ryo Ishikawa, Nishikori is actually a top sportsman in his field (if one accepts that top ten is top). Nishikori spends most of his time outside of Japan so I don't think the sponsorship deals are a big distraction for him.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Those who make a big deal about Nishikori getting a lot of press in Japan, do you think Serbian press ignores Djokovic or Swiss news gives Federer a tiny article in the back of the newspaper or U.S. press cares about who wins a tournament outside of Serena Williams or another American? The fact is Kei Nishikori is the highest ranking Japanese tennis player in the history of professional tennis. Of course there is a lot of hoopla over him whether you like it or not.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Those who make a big deal about Nishikori getting a lot of press in Japan

The only thing is I can't find anyone making that argument here, except for one comment saying the press should give some breathing space for Nishikori's own sake.

I think most are just hoping he can go that extra step and hoping to isolate any potential hindrances.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I can't find anyone making that argument here

Such a theme has been common to see on tennis news stories here, and leaves one with the impression that those who have made such arguments feel some perverse glee when Nishikori doesn't win, which compels them to comment with negativity. (Pretty annoying for anyone who cares about the substance than the Japanese media.)

the press should give some breathing space for Nishikori's own sake.

He's ranked 7th in the entire universe, so even if the press were a hindrance it doesn't seem to be much of one.

I believe the difference between him and the very best is that they have fully developed a winners mindset, enabling them to play each point (and each shot) just like any other.

Something Nishikori said in his post-match interview was that Djokovic gives away no easy points. This creates a pressure that isn't there with lesser opponents. As lostrune2 alluded to, this seemed to result in an over-eagerness or impatience.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

lostrune2 *Nishikori didn't have the patience to grind out groundstrokes with Djokovic. Kei was going for finishing shots too early - the first 2 sets, the average was only 3-4 strokes per play.

If ya wanna win against the Djoker, ya have to accept that your body will get punished - be ready to grind it out. Don't plan for the easier way for your body; tough it out.*

That's why he is the world's number seven, and you are.......

I'm the one not facing the Djoker, and that's why Kei lost the way he did.

Do ya know how Djoker could had won 3-2-4 in straight sets despite hitting a measly 10 winners total? Because Kei made 47 unforced errors, half on the forehand which is supposed to be the better hand.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

next time,,,,your day all come Kei

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

My comment re "breathing space" is exactly that. Hence be gracious in his loss - he certainly was. Stop blubbering excuses.

And of course other countries media fawn over their athletes when they win (and scorn when they lose) BUT, we're not talking other countries media here. I mentioned the Japanese media because Nishikori is a Japanese Player and this is Japan and this forum is Japan Today.

Geez - why do some people think any comment on any subject critical - no matter how minute - of any aspect of Japan is somehow a slant on the nation or anti-japan or "racist" or others do worst or ........get a grip.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Fxgai: "One of the few analytical comments on this story, and basically about right. Djokovic is a tough opponent but Nishikori was responsible for a lot of the points he didn't win."

Oh god, here we go again! It's never just that the other player, who is number one for a reason, and beat everyone else, is better' it's that Nishikori "gave the points away", or, "could have won if his head was in the right space", etc.

" But he has the ability to be in with a chance, it's more a matter of being in the right head-space."

Case in point! You're only a slight step up from "Kei was just relaxing this time," or, "KEI can win, but the other guy was too tall this time". You say to. Moonraker, "That's why he's the world number seven, and you are..."

Well, back at you! That's why Djokovic is number one in the universe, and Nishikori only seven. It showed VERY clearly.

Moonraker: you're talking about Ryo Ishikawa, and I still enjoy asking people who bragged about him a few years ago (Now on the Nishikori bandwagon) what Ishikawa's up to these days. Yes, they do let the media get to them and make themselves believe they are better than they are, and the people, too, who get angry when their player loses, but Nishikori in that respect has been decent thus far. He's slipping, though.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

remember a few years ago, people on this board were saying Nishikori will be No. 1 in no time. As long as Djokovic is around there is no way.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

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