Ariake 360 ​​degree excitement in Nishikori VS Cilic even on night games during the week! “Table tennis goddess” figure is also “very beautiful” – Sponichi Sponichi Annex Sports

In the first round of singles, former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori (34, Uniqlo), who is competing for the first time in six years, defeated former world No. 3 Marin Cilic (35, Croatia) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. He defeated his losing opponent in the final of the 2014 US Open, in which he battled to become the first Japanese to win a four-way tournament. Looking back on the big game 10 years ago, he said, “In my life, if I had to think of a game that I regret the most, I would pick that game,” and it was it’s a deserved win.

It was a high level match that made it hard to believe that both players were ranked in the 200’s in the world, and the match drew huge applause and good cheer from the audience, who went to fill as far as Ariake’s 360-degree view. Not only was reporter Shuzo Matsuoka excited, but table tennis players Kasumi Ishikawa and Tomokazu Harimoto were also seen in the stands. Despite being a weekday night match, the match was very exciting, with Nishikori beating Cilic, who is also a close opponent and great competitor, in the -all sets. This was the first time in six years that he had made it through the first round of the competition.

After the match, people posted on SNS, “The goddess descended in Ariake! so beautiful,’” “Wonderful, awesome story!’” comments went like “I was captivated by the strokes of these two” and “Ariake was so happy~”

Below is an interview with Nishikori about his impact on the court.

– The first Japan opening in six years in front of a full audience. This is the first match against Cilic in 6 years. Adorned with victory.

“No, I wasn’t that worried before I went to court…I thought I could go because it looked like it would go normally, but I was told at the last minute that (tickets) were sold. out. I was surprised and worried for a moment (laughs). ” (Loud laughter from the audience)

— Your playing moves my heart. I want to see more (in the future). I think the fans think so too.

“Thank you. Well, I’m playing tennis the way I want, but I’d be happy if you could enjoy it even a little. Well, my condition, or rather my form, is starting to come back little by little, and I’m I feel nervous today also happy that I won the first round.”

–The next opponent to win is Roode vs. Thompson. This was Ruud’s first match against Thompson, and he had 2 wins and 0 losses on hard courts.

“Obviously, Ruud is a strong player, and he is a strong player without weaknesses… Jordan (Thompson) works with us regularly and we are good friends… so if possible, it would be I prefer to play with him… I think so. ” (The audience laughs again.)

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