TOKYO: Former tennis great Andre Agassi yesterday backed Japanese superstar Kei Nishikori to become a grand slam winner, hailing him as one of the greatest shot-makers ever.
Nishikori has climbed to No 5 in the world after a breakout year in which he won four titles and reached US Open final, but Agassi insisted it was only a matter of time before the swashbuckling 24-year-old captures one of the four majors.
“Listen, he was one match away from US Open,” the former World No 1 told after going toe-to-toe with Nishikori in an exhibition event in Tokyo.
“Probably the biggest reason for (not winning the title) was the physical wear and tear over the course of the tournament, and sometimes that’s a bit unlucky.”
“There is no question in my mind he believes he can win a slam,” added Agassi, 44, who won eight grand slam titles in an illustrious career before retiring in 2006 – the year before Nishikori made his professional debut.
“I’ve seen him play with that purpose. From a talent perspective, he’s very capable of winning a grand slam. He’s dynamic and incredibly fast.”
Agassi, who smacked several eye-popping shots past Nishikori before going down 8-6 in an abbreviated match, insisted that the Japanese had the weapons to topple the game’s big three of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“He beat Djokovic on the way to the US Open final, and if he did it once he can do it again,” said the flamboyant American, tipping Nishikori to be at the forefront of any changing of the guard in men’s tennis.
“There is always a time for seasons to change and he’s positioned to be the one to step in. He’s one of the few players I would pay to go and watch, he’s that good.” AFP