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World No. 56 Yoshihito Nishioka absolutely felt his nerves when he played 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and that resulted in a straight-set defeat. Nishioka, 25, and 39-year-old Federer met at the US Open in 2018, with the Swiss claiming a 6-2 6-2 6-4 win in their lone meeting on the Tour.
"I got emotional when I played Federer, I was overwhelmed and got nervous on the court, I didn't know how to play," Nishioka revealed, as revealed by Seiadoumogera/Twitter. Nishioka competed much better against world No. 2 Rafael Nadal but still fell short of winning a single set against the Spaniard.
Nadal beat Nishioka 7-6 (2) 6-3 on the hard courts of Acapulco in 2017, before earning a 7-6 (4) 6-4 win over the Japanese at the inaugural ATP Cup. "When I played Nadal, I had good tactics, I got some chances, but he won important points or games at the critical moment.That's quality of top players," Nishioka said.
Nishioka also played twice against Novak Djokovic but didn't enjoy much success as the Serb thrashed the Japanese in both meetings. "Djokovic is the strongest player right now, I felt I couldn't beat him at the moment.When I played Nadal, I had good tactics, I got some chances, but he won important points or games at the critical moment.That's quality of top players.
I got emotional when I played Federer, I was overwhelmed and got nervous on the court, I didn't know how to play.— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 20, 2020
Basic quality of his shots is very high, way higher than mine," Nishioka claimed.
Nishioka was up by two sets against Andy Murray at this year's US Open but still failed to claim a win over the former world No. 1. "Murray is perseverant, he can regain momentum even after getting attacked.Nishioka on Big4
"Djokovic is the strongest player right now, I felt I couldn't beat him at the moment. Basic quality of his shots is very high, way higher than mine.— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 20, 2020
Even if his level is not as high as in his prime, I was still surprised at his level," Nishioka added.
Murray is perseverant, he can regain momentum even after getting attacked. Even if his level is not as high as in his prime, I was still surprised at his level."
.@THEDIGESTweb — 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 20, 2020
Meanwhile, Federer to play the Australian Open
Federer, who last played at the Australian Open, is expected to be ready for this season's Australian Open.
Federer underwent two knee surgeries this year as he is hoping to have a big comeback season in 2021. "We have a commitment from every player in the world to be in Australia," Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said, as quoted on The Age.
"Obviously it being the start of the season anything can happen with that entry list, but the commitment is there... Every player, including Roger, have committed. "He said to us that February 8 was a more suitable date for him in terms of preparing for the Australian Open. But a lot will depend on how he responds to his surgery in the next two to three weeks."