Kei Nishikori ‘excited’ to play Stefanos Tsitsipas in Miami

Prime-ranked Japanese tennis participant Kei Nishikori admitted that the match in opposition to Aljaz Bedene might have gone both method however he was joyful to flee with an in depth win. Nishikori, ranked at No. 39 on this planet, edged out Bedene 7-6 (6) 5-7 6-4 to achieve the Miami Masters third spherical.

Nishikori twice recovered from a break down within the first set, earlier than he transformed his fourth set level within the tie-break to win a decent opener. Bedene once more blew an early second set break however broke Nishikori once more within the twelfth recreation to drive a decider.

Within the third set, Nishikori broke Bedene within the seventh recreation after which held on to his serve to win the match. “It might go each methods, very shut and difficult match. Within the closing set I began serving higher to carry my service video games simply, that enabled me to place stress on him in my return video games.

I adjusted some facets of my serve technically after which began taking part in higher,” Nishikori stated, per Seiadoumogera/Twitter.

Nishikori performs subsequent Stefanos Tsitsipas

“I am extra assured than earlier than. Powerful opponent (Tsitsipas) is coming, however I am type of excited, it ought to be take a look at for me.

I am extra trying ahead to the match. Hope I’ll do my finest. In Australia I used to be fearful and distracted by onerous quarantine, however now I am mentally OK.” Tsitsipas additionally will not be taking Nishikori without any consideration. “[Kei is] a participant that has performed very nicely previously, and even now he can elevate his degree actually excessive,” stated Tsitsipas.

“I will try to be prepared for the battle. It is essential for me to have matches in opposition to robust opponents like him. “I’m very pumped for the match and I’ll try to put my finest efficiency on the market.

I’ll try to take it recreation by recreation… It is a robust third spherical, I will not disguise it. It is essential for me to be prepared for that match and be bodily ready”.