Novak Djokovic admission made by potential Wimbledon opponent Kei Nishikori
KEI NISHIKORI is looking forward to the prospect of facing Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon.
Nishikori beat Ernests Gulbis over four sets to set up a potential quarter-final tie with Djokovic, if he can get past Karen Khachanov in his last-16 match.
The Japanese star has only won three of his previous 15 meetings with Djokovic – and not one has come since 2014.
However, Nishikori has never faced the Serbian on grass which makes it an entirely different game.
And he is hoping to cause an upset by knocking the former world No 1 out to reach his maiden Wimbledon semi-final.
“Novak is always a good player on grass,” Nishikori said.
“He's playing better and strong again. I'm sure it's going to be tough.
“I don't know if we never played on grass. I think it's going to be a new game for us. But, yeah, he's always like big war for me.
“I always enjoy playing against him. It's always a big challenge.
“Maybe I don't have a good result, a good record with him, but I always enjoy playing him. He's one of the best players on the tour.
“Yeah, but I think it's going to be a new match for both of us if he wins. We will try to compete and enjoy.”
Djokovic has only recently returned from injury and Nishikori understands his struggles.
“After coming back injury, you always struggle a little bit,” he added.
“Even you see, like, Stan [Wawrinka] is little bit struggling. Yeah, you got to motivate yourself I think little more than before.
“I think when you come back you enjoy little more tennis and I think you got to fight little more.
”Well, I did same. I know Djoko wants to play the best again. I think that's his motivation, for sure.
“I think you feel more, not angry, but eager to play your best. Yeah, you want to come back 100 per cent as soon as possible."