Nishikori: Best yet to come
Japanese No.1 expects fitness work to help him into top 15
Last Updated: January 25, 2012 11:40am
Kei Nishikori: Building up to his peak
Japan's Kei Nishikori has admitted that he has some way to go before he reaches his peak following straight sets defeat to Andy Murray.
The 22-year-old provided the shock of the fourth round at the Australian Open when he ousted sixth seed Jo-Wilfred Tsonga to become the first Japanese man of the open era to make the last-eight.
However, Nishikori was beaten inside three sets as Brit Murray progressed to the semi-finals on the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
But it has been a breakthrough year for the American-based Japanese, who is set to be 20th in the world rankings when they are released at the end of the month after a meteoric rise from 98th.
"That's exciting news for me because my first goal was to get top 20, it was a fantastic week for me," he said. "Now I'll try to get to the top 15."
Despite admitting he is far from his maximum strength, Nishikori has been encouraged by his ability to compete in big matches.
Tired
"Physically you have to get to 25 or 26-years-old to build the body," he added. "It's different from other countries.
"If this was last year, I'd be dead for sure. Playing two five sets and four sets, and now of course I'm tired, but I'm able to play the match.
"So I'm really happy how my physical condition is now. I had a good off-season last year. Of course, to win a grand slam I have to be more fit."
Nishikori, whose previous best grand slam finish was a fourth round exit at the 2008 US Open, was praised by Murray, whilst the Scot believes it is height that leaves the Japanese at a disadvantage.
"The only difference is the height," he said. "For me, I can get more on my serve because of my height. That's of benefit to me."
But Nishikori, who has become the highest ranked Japanese man in history, has enjoyed the most successful year of his career after reaching two finals and beating World No.1 Novak Djokovic in Basel.
