Yesterday was a day to remember for Japanese tennis, as Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka became the first players from this Asian country to reach the semi-finals of the same Grand Slam tournament.
Kei Nishikori defeats Marin Cilic
Kei Nishikori took the Arthur Ashe court first and needed five sets to upend Marin Cilic, the man who prevented Nishikori from winning his first Grand Slam trophy in 2014 at the US Open. The 28-year-old also played in the semi-finals in 2016, so he is no stranger to doing well at this tournament.
US Open Odds & Tips
Naomi Osaka in uncharted territory
For Naomi Osaka, however, this will be her very first Grand Slam semi-final. She earned the right to represent Japan in it by ousting Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko 6-1, 6-1. Her biggest Grand Slam achievement until now was reaching the fourth round of the 2018 Australian Open.
The talented 20-year-old Osaka, who was born in Japan but grew up in the United States, has steadily progressed ever since hiring Sascha Bajin to be her coach. Serena Williams’ former coach has added emotional and tactical awareness to Osaka’s already impressive power game.
Naomi Osaka holds a dual citizenship, yet chose to represent Japan after she was overlooked by the United States Tennis Association as a developing junior player. She’s currently learning Japanese and trying hard to be liked and accepted by Japanese fans.
“I’m really grateful that I get a lot of Japanese press,”
“I think it’s because of Kei. I’m really happy about that. I just hope that I can keep doing well. I hope that they keep cheering for me.”
Shuzo Matsuoka and Kimiko Date
Japan’s previous best was held by Shuzo Matsuoka and Kimiko Date, who reached the men’s and women’s quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1995. Matsuoka, who coached Nishikori at 12, works as a commentator for a Japanese network and is really happy to see countrymates succeed.
“…these two can do big things. They can actually win Grand Slams.”
What’s next for Nishikori and Osaka?
Kei Nishikori faces the surging Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, who beat John Millman in straight sets in order to reach the semi-finals.
Naomi Osaka has a meeting with last year’s finalist Madison Keys. The American beat Carla Suarez Navarro 6-4, 6-3 in Wednesday’s quarter-final.
Kei Nishikori vs Novak Djokovic Odds & Tips
Kei Nishikori to win – 5 (4/1)
Novak Djokovic to win – 1.16 (1/6)
Naomi Osaka vs Madison Keys Odds & Tips
Naomi Osaka to win – 2.2 (6/5)
Madison Keys to win – 1.6 (2/3)