Nishikori becomes youngest in top 100
Over the weekend, 18-year old Kei Nishikori, who trains at the NBTA, won the ATP Challenger in Bermuda which catapulted him 21 spots to a new career high of #99 in the world. Nishikori defeated Viktor Troicki 2-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) and saved two match points against the Serbian. Nishikori also beat top 100 ATP players, Marcos Daniels, Dudi Sela, Ernests Gulbis, and Peter Luczak en route to the title. With the win, Nishikori became the youngest player in the top 100!! He is also the the first Japanese player since Shuzo Matsuoka in August of 1996 to be ranked in the top 100.
Here are some pictures from the tournament (photo credit Charles Anderson):
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- (c) Charles Anderson
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- (c) Charles Anderson
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- (c) Charles Anderson
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- (c) Charles Anderson
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- (c) Charles Anderson
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I had heard stories back in 06 about this kid but didn’t get a chance to see him play. I have a feeling I’ll get my chance soon on a nationally televised level…. Way to go Kei!
I felt so lucky to have a chance to see this great match in Bermuda. It was my first experience to see the “real” match (not on TV) and what a great match ! Being from the same national origin, I cannot explain how much I got excited on the day when he won the game. I will keep his autograph forever ! Wishing him the very best