Nishikori and Sakamoto Serve Up a Storm: Dynamic Duo Takes Centre Stage in Thrilling 1st Round Match
Kei Nishikori and Rei Sakamoto Fall Short in Japan Open Doubles
(From left) Kei Nishikori and Rei Sakamoto
Image provided by: Getty Images
Kinoshita Group, a men’s tennis player, held the first round of the doubles at the Japan Open Tennis Championships 2024 (Tokyo, Japan, hard, ATP500) on the 25th, with a wild card (recommended by the organizers) participating. Kei Nishikori and Rei Sakamoto beat the top-seeded pair Nelson Lammons and J. Withrow of the United States 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, [6-10] After a fierce battle that went to a full set, they were unfortunately defeated and eliminated in the first round.
Kei Nishikori and Rei Sakamoto’s First Doubles Partnership
This is the first time that the 34-year-old Nishikori and the 18-year-old Sakamoto have teamed up in doubles. Nishikori has also been granted a wild card in the singles main draw of this tournament, so he will enter the main draw in both singles and doubles.
Rei Sakamoto’s Professional Debut
Meanwhile, Sakamoto, who announced he would turn professional just before the tournament, entered the singles qualifying rounds of this tournament as a wildcard, but lost in the first round to eighth seed Luigi Nardi (Italy).
Next Round Matchup
The winning pair of this match will face either A. Behar (Uruguay)/R. Galloway (USA) or A. Pavlasek (Czech Republic)/J. Rojer (Netherlands) in the second round.
Related News
[Full text of the press conference] Kei Nishikori to play in Japan Open for the first time in six years
Sakamoto Rei “It was the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life”
Yasutaka Uchiyama: A big victory over the top seed
Recommended Content
Tennis trial lessons available
Free drawing creation tool
World rankings