Electric Ariake: Nishikori and Cilic Set the Stage Ablaze in Thrilling Weeknight Showdown, Plus a Glimpse of the Stunning “Table Tennis Goddess
Men’s Tennis Kinoshita Group Japan Open Day 2
September 26, 2024, Ariake Tennis Forest Park
Kei Nishikori Defeats Marin Cilic in the First Round
Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori (34, Uniqlo) defeated former world No. 3 Marin Cilic (35, Croatia) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the men’s singles.
Nishikori, competing for the first time in six years, defeated the opponent he lost to in the final of the 2014 US Open. He said, “In my life, if I had to think of a match I regret the most, I would choose that match,” and it was a worthy victory.
A High-Level Match that Drew Loud Cheers and Applause
The match was a high-level one that made it hard to believe that both players were among the 200 in the world rankings. The crowd, packed to the 360-degree view of Ariake, cheered and applauded loudly.
Commentator Shuzo Matsuoka seemed excited, and table tennis players Kasumi Ishikawa and Tomokazu Harimoto were also present in the stands.
Reactions on Social Media
After the match, people posted on SNS, ”The goddess descended on Ariake! Kasumi was there,” “It’s similar to table tennis, after all, Kasumi Ishikawa and Harimoto were also there,” “Kasumi Ishikawa was so beautiful,” “A fateful showdown, awesome!”
Comments like “I was fascinated by these two’s shots” and ”Ariake was so excited!” were also posted.
Interview with Kei Nishikori
Nishikori spoke about his victory on the court.
“I wasn’t that nervous before going onto the field… I thought I might go because it looked like it would be business as usual, but I was told just before (the tickets) were sold outside.” I remained a little surprised and nervous for a moment (laughs).
“Well, it wasn’t that bad from the beginning, and my tennis was good, so I think I managed to improve gradually, especially in the second half.”
Nishikori’s Thoughts on His Next Match
Nishikori’s next opponent will be the winner of Roode vs. Thompson. He said, “Of course, Ruud is a strong, solid player with no weaknesses… Jordan (Thompson) trains with us regularly and we are good friends… so, if possible, I would prefer to play with him… I think so.”