US OPEN

September 2, 2021

Kei Nishikori

Press Conference

K. NISHIKORI/M. McDonald

7-6, 6-3, 6-7, 2-6, 6-3

THE MODERATOR: Could you give your thoughts on the tonight's match and your level of play in the first week.

KEI NISHIKORI: Very tough match. Well, he beat me recently in Washington, so I was kind of ready to play tough one. He start playing better in third and fourth, almost fifth, too. But I stay tough. Yeah, luckily came to my side.

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. You have a long history against Novak Djokovic. You played recently at the Olympics. When you think of the challenge of playing him, what goes through your mind?

KEI NISHIKORI: It's a lot of things. Obviously I love the challenge. Now he's one of the best on the tennis tour. It's not something I love to play all the time because, I mean, obviously he's the toughest opponent, one or two. I rather have someone rank lower.

I mean, I always love the challenge. Even though I had a bad record, I always try to be positive. I'm sure it's going to be tough one, but I do my best.

Q. What do you consider the things he does that are most difficult for you?

KEI NISHIKORI: Well, I think his best thing is controlling the ball. He can hit anywhere from both side. He's been serving well. Best return on the tour. Maybe compared to other guys, less unforced errors. I mean, he has everything. I think that's couple good things.

Q. You beat him here the last time. What do you remember about that?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, I think it was one of my best match. Yeah, I mean, because of that I think it's little better feeling that I have playing here. I mean, even though he's best player, but I have good memory here playing US Open and beat him before here.

Yeah, I can be little positive being US Open.

Q. Do you feel at some point it has to change and it's going to go your way?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, I hope so. I'm hoping every match. He's just tough player. I'm doing my best every match.

Q. You said that was one of your best matches when you beat him here.

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah.

Q. What was it that was so successful for you? What do you think you need to do in this next one?

KEI NISHIKORI: Well, I have to stay patient. I still have to play great tennis to beat him. Same time I have to be aggressive. He's not going to give me any free points so I have to earn the points.

I think, yeah, being aggressive is the key.

Q. Was that the key when you beat him?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, I think so. Yeah, I stay tough every point. Yeah, I think I play pretty aggressive that match.

Q. When you see the draw, as a player do you want to play against him or is there a hope someone else beats him first?

KEI NISHIKORI: Well, I don't look at the draw so I didn't know until now I going to play Novak. Yeah, like I said, it's of course not favorite to play Novak. You can see my record. Yeah, you don't want to play third round playing No. 1 player. I mean, that's very obvious.

Now I have to, so I try to do my best.

Q. He's going for the Grand Slam. Maybe he has more pressure on him. Do you think you could use that to your advantage?

KEI NISHIKORI: Yeah, yes.