By Chris Oddo | Sunday, September 7, 2014

 

Kei Nishikori went from being unsure if he would play the US Open to becoming Japan's first Grand Slam finalist in two weeks time.

Photo Source: AFP

Kei Nishikori was doubtful for the US Open this year due to the removal, on August 4th, of a fairly large Epidermal Inclusion Cyst from his right foot, which forced him to withdraw from US Open lead-up events in Toronto and Cincinnati.

On Tap: Men's Final Preview, Cilic vs. Nishikori

According to his agent, the expected recovery time would be approximately three weeks, taking Nishikori right up to Day 1 of the US Open. Well, Nishikori worked hard on his rehab, and yesterday he told John McEnroe in the CBS broadcast booth that he spent several days in Bradenton, Florida at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy hitting balls while sitting in a chair.

The Japanese No. 1, who had already had a breakthrough year by reaching his first Masters 1000 final in Madrid and becoming the first Japanese male to ever crack the top ten, remained unsure about his US Open prospects, but after he began playing points “a few days” before the tournament, he decided to give it a go.

“I just started playing points few days ago before the tournament,” Nishikori told media after his four-set upset of Novak Djokovic in Saturday’s semifinal. “I didn't even know if I should come to New York, you know, so I wasn't expecting anything actually.”

Nishikori, who has now defeated top ten players in three consecutive matches for the first time in his career, said his concerns about the injury faded after the first two rounds in New York.

“After playing first match and second match, you know, I got more confidence on my foot and [there] was no pain,” he said, adding: “I may have to rest three weeks before the Grand Slam [every time].”

Nishikori is the first Japanese player to ever reach a Grand Slam final, and he’ll bid to earn his first Grand Slam title on Monday when he meets fellow first-time finalist Marin Cilic in the first Grand Slam final without a man named Federer, Nadal or Djokovic since the 2005 Australian Open.

Since losing to the Croat in the 2012 US Open, Nishikori has won three straight against him. But he knows the Cilic who dismantled Roger Federer in straight sets with thunderous serves and groundstrokes is a vastly improved and more confident player than he has ever been in his career.

“He's been playing really well, very aggressive,” Nishikori said. “Very fast tennis. I know he's been getting stronger. it's going to be tough final.”