By Chris Oddo | Saturday, September 6, 2014
Kei Nishikori downed Novak Djokovic in four sets to become Japan's first Grand Slam finalist.
Photo Source: AP
Kei Nishikori’s landmark 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Novak Djokovic was epic for the Japanese No. 1 as he became the first man from his country to ever reach a Grand Slam final by upsetting a top ten player for the third consecutive match.
Recap: Nishikori Notches Historic Win over Djokovic in New York
Here’s a sampling from the rambling that we experienced on Twitter while enjoying the match:
1. The initial reaction was fairly calm for the reserved 24-year-old…
2. Was it shock? Surprise? Overwhelmed?
3. What many journalists were asking is: “Why didn’t he rip his shirt off?”
4. With a lethal forehand like Nishikori’s, the backhand doesn’t need to be this amazing—but it is! Certainly top five in the game right now, wouldn’t you say?
5. It most certainly will be…
6. No multiple Slam winners in 2014. Is the era of dominant players over for the time being?
7. One of the greats of the game is Novak Djokovic. He was disappointed not to be able to find his magic in the third-set tiebreaker and in the fourth set, but back-to-back Slams apparently were not in the cards for this year’s Wimbledon champion.
8. Keep in mind that Nishikori had missed the lead-up to N.Y. due to the removal of a cyst on his foot. He had just begun playing points again a few days before the tournament. Perhaps his body was more rested? Perhaps his expectations were lower as a result?
9. For these two weeks, yes. Next challenge? To do it consistently.
10. Fortunately the serve has improved…
11. A look at the historic match point.
12. A digital keepsake of an epic moment for Nishikori, for Japan and for tennis…