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

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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.

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