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A Storm, Tears and a Trophy! How Nishikori Made Historical past in Tokyo in 2014
10 years in the past, the Japanese star grew to become the primary two-time ATP 500 champion from her personal nation
September 17, 2024
Koji Watanabe/Getty Pictures
Kei Nishikori wins the Tokyo Cup for the second time after beating Milos Raonic within the 2014 last.
By Andy West
Sky-high expectations from residence followers, decrease again ache, a scorching opponent within the championship match with an virtually unassailable serve and an approaching storm that disrupts the circumstances. These have been simply a few of the challenges Kei Nishikori confronted throughout the 2014 Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships.
The Japanese star conquered all of them.
By beating Milos Raonic in three units to raise the trophy on his residence turf, Nishikori not solely despatched a capability Ariake Coloseum crowd residence in celebration. The then 24-year-old, who had additionally gained in 2012 and joined 1972 title holder Toshiro Sakai as Tokyo’s residence champion, grew to become the primary Japanese two-time winner within the occasion’s historical past and solely the fourth a number of title holder in complete after ATP greats Stefan Edberg, Pete Sampras and Jim Courier.
Nishikori had lengthy been a significant star in Japan, however his exploits in 2014 main as much as Tokyo had raised his profile to unprecedented heights. Simply three weeks earlier than the hard-court ATP 500, he grew to become the primary Asian man to succeed in a Grand Slam singles last on the US Open, defeating three top-10 opponents alongside the way in which in Raonic, Stan Wawrinka and world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.
Regardless of a painful defeat to Marin Cilic within the New York Championship Match, Nishikori bounced again to win his third ATP Tour crown of the yr in Kuala Lumpur. By the point he arrived in Tokyo, he had gained 10 of his final 11 matches and reached a then profession excessive of No. 7 within the PIF ATP Rankings.
Nishikori was fast to indicate his residence followers the latest step ahead in his recreation, racing to straight-sets victories in his first three matches towards Ivan Dodig, Donald Younger and Jeremy Chardy earlier than a 4-6, 6-0, 7-6(2) semi-final overcome Benjamin Becker.
Nishikori in second round against Donald Young during his Tokyo title run in 2014. Photo credit: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images.
“It’s a great feeling. This is my hometown and I always feel a lot of support,” Nishikori, whose lower back problem at times appeared to limit his mobility, said against Becker.
Nishikori may have been used to competing in Tokyo, but so was his latest opponent. The No. 8 ranked Raonic had gone all week without dropping a set en route to his third consecutive championship match in the Japanese capital. The Canadian was also seeking revenge for his defeat to Nishikori in the first of those finals in 2012.
With Typhoon Phanfone forecast to bring heavy rain to Tokyo, the final between Nishikori and Raonic took place under a closed roof, but the changing conditions did not stop either player from battling it out with the trophy at stake. Just like in the 2012 final, Nishikori won a thrilling first set in a tie-break before Raonic hit back to force a deciding set. Once again, it was Nishikori, cheered on by his home fans, who found the extra spark in the end for a 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-4 victory.
Nishikori and Milos Raonic embrace at the net after their Tokyo final in 2014. Photo credit: Koji Watanabe/Getty Images
With his triumph, Nishikori secured his fourth tour-level trophy of 2014, a total that remains his personal best in a single ATP Tour season, and improved to 4-1 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with top-10 rival Raonic. After tearfully embracing his coach Michael Chang in the stands, an emotional Nishikori acknowledged how difficult it had been to recover from his US Open disappointment.
“It’s incredible and I think it’s the first time I’ve won two weeks in a row,” he said. “After the US Open it was hard to keep the motivation. Being in the first final of a Grand Slam was my dream, so it was hard to change mentally.”
Nishikori’s victory in Tokyo helped qualify him for the 2014 Nitto ATP Finals. He made his first appearance at the prestigious season finale in London, defeating Andy Murray and David Ferrer before falling to Djokovic in the semifinals. His season-best of 54-14 eventually helped him reach his current career-high of No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings in March 2015.
This year, the 34-year-old Nishikori returns to Tokyo for his ninth appearance at the ATP 500 hardcourt, and his first since reaching his third final in 2018 (to Medvedev). The home favorite has played just 11 tournaments since 2021 due to injuries, but will no doubt be looking to channel his loyal home support into adding to his 20-6 record at a tournament where his legacy is already sealed.