Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 2, 2021 Japan’s Kei Nishikori reacts during his second round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 2, 2021 Japan’s Kei Nishikori reacts during his second round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
Japanese star Kei Nishikori has returned to regular tennis in the current season. After being troubled by elbow injuries, the former World No. 4 is back to playing tournaments on the circuit. He is currently in Halle, adapting and getting some matches under his belt on grass-court.
Ahead of his next round match, Kei Nishikori opened up on opponent Sebastian Korda. The Japanese player has seen the American youngster ever since he was a kid. He first saw Sebastian when he accompanied his father, who was a coach to former player Radek Stepanek. He praised him for having strong attributes in his game, such as his serve and volley.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 2, 2021, Japan’s Kei Nishikori in action during his second round match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
The 2014 US Open finalist stated, “I’ve known Korda well since he was a little child. His father was a coach of Stepanek and often accompanied his kid (Sebastian). I didn’t expect he would reach where he is now. He has a good serve, solid stroke, and good volley has the potential to reach the top.
“It’s our first meeting in a match, but we have practiced together many times, I’m excited to play him in many ways.”
Kei Nishikori is familiar with Sebastian Korda
Nishikori has practiced with the American player on a few occasions. However, playing in a match is a different situation as things come down to tactics. The Japanese athlete still feels he needs to work on his game as far as playing on the grass-courts is concerned. He admitted his movements were slow and that he needs to speed up his court coverage in the upcoming match.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 30, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Sebastian Korda of the United States hits a forehand against Diego Schwartzman of Argentina (not pictured) in the fourth round in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Watch this story: When Novak Djokovic Called Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal the GOAT
I’ve known Korda well since he was a little child. His father was a coach of Stepanek and often accompanied his kid (Sebastian). I didn’t expect he would reach where he is now.
He has good serve, solid stroke, and good volley, has potential to reach the top.
— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) June 16, 2021
The 2016 Olympic Bronze Medalist further added, “On the grass when I start moving after a stop, I can’t make use of my speed, it’s difficult to gain speed on turning back on grass or clay.”
Kei and Sebastian will compete to book a spot in the quarterfinals at the ATP Halle Open 2021. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.
