“Didn’t Expect He Would Reach Where He Is Now”: Kei Nishikori Reveals Longtime Relationship With Sebastian Korda

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.

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.

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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.