Home / Sports / Sakamoto Dethrones Hero Nishikori in U.S. Open Qualifying
Sakamoto Dethrones Hero Nishikori in U.S. Open Qualifying
28 Aug
Summary
- Rei Sakamoto defeated his idol Kei Nishikori in U.S. Open qualifying.
- Nishikori, battling injuries, played what he indicated was his final season.
- Sakamoto's victory earned him a spot in the main draw, while ending Nishikori's career.
Rei Sakamoto has earned a spot in the U.S. Open main draw after defeating his hero, Kei Nishikori, in the final round of qualifying. The match represented a changing of the guard, with the 20-year-old Sakamoto triumphing over the 36-year-old Nishikori. Nishikori, who has been battling injuries in recent years, had stated this would be his final professional season.
Nishikori, a former U.S. Open finalist, was not ranked high enough for direct entry and received a wild card into qualifying. Despite reaching the final qualifying round, he was ultimately outplayed by Sakamoto, who served 19 aces. Nishikori acknowledged Sakamoto as the "next Japanese top player" after the match, which concluded with a presentation to Nishikori by U.S. Open officials.
