AP, Paris :
Despite being one of the smallest players on the Tour, Kei Nishikori’s performances are not going unnoticed at home.
Nishikori, who is bidding to become the first Asian-born player to qualify for the season-ending ATP Finals, is enjoying a breakthrough season in which he claimed four titles and reached the U.S. Open final.
Although he lost in straight sets to Marin Cilic at Flushing Meadows, the 5-foot-10 player’s popularity reached new heights following his excellent run in New York.
“It’s been big change, especially in Japan,” Nishikori said after beating local favorite and former champion Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 at the Paris Masters on Thursday.
