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Sakamoto inspired by Nishikori's 'Rip More Balls!' mantra
11 Oct
Summary
- Rei Sakamoto is in his first ATP Masters 1000 third round.
- He credits Kei Nishikori's advice to 'rip more balls'.
- Sakamoto is ranked fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Reggio Calabria.
Rei Sakamoto is making waves at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, advancing to his first ATP Masters 1000 third round. The young Japanese player credits veteran Kei Nishikori's simple yet impactful advice from years past: 'rip more balls.' This guidance has fueled Sakamoto's aggressive play, leading to a career-best victory over Andrey Rublev.
Sakamoto's 2026 season has been marked by several milestones, including his first ATP Tour win in Miami and successful main-draw appearances at the Australian Open and US Open. He has also adopted Nishikori's philosophy of seeking growth outside his comfort zone, inspired by the former World No. 4's decision to train abroad.
Currently fourth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Reggio Calabria, Sakamoto's improved mindset and consistent training approach, guided by coach Federico Ricci, are translating into strong results. His recent surge has seen him climb to a career-high ranking of World No. 122, nearing a Top 100 debut.
