Naomi Osaka is a Japanese-Haitian who won the 2018 US Open in what is widely regarded as a controversial match. She also happens to be the first Grand Slam winner for both countries. However, with the current buzz surrounding her, it is easy to forget that she is not the only prominent Japanese name in tennis. Before the rise of Naomi Osaka, there was Kei Nishikori.
Personal Information
- Name: Kei Nishikori
- Date of birth: December 29, 1989
- Country: Japan
- Birth place: Shimane, Japan
- Height: 1.78m (5ft 10in)
- Weight: 73kg (161pounds)
- Residence: Bradenton, Florida, USA
- Pastimes: Football, golf, reading and listening to music
Playing style:
- Playing hand: Right with a 2-handed backhand
- Tennis strategy: Baseline player
Career
- Professional debut: 2007 (ATP draw in Los Angeles, USA)
- World Ranking (Singles): 11 (as at 15 October, 2018)
- Highest Career Ranking: World number 4 (on March 2, 2015)
- Has a career record of 371 wins with 173 losses
- Has reached the final of major tennis championships (singles) 25 times
- Has won 11 ATP singles titles (6 ATP Tour 500 and 5 ATP Tour 250 titles) including 4 consecutive titles at the Memphis Open (from 2013-2016)
- Bronze medal winner at the Singles tennis tournament of the 2016.
- Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, defeating Rafael Nadal and representing Japan
Runner-up at the 2014 US Open, therefore becoming the first male player from an Asian country to reach the finals of a Gram Slam singles tournament - Semi-finalist at the 2014 and 2016 ATP Finals with 3 appearances in total (2014-2016)
- Coach: Michael Chang (since January 2014)
- Prize money: US$20,868,123 (number 6 on the ATP Prize Money Leaders List as at October 29, 2018)
BY UGOCHI OKORAFOR