Kei Nishikori believes his strong showing at the ATP World Tour Finals will provide the perfect springboard to win his first grand slam crown next year.
Nishikori enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2014 as the Japanese star reached his maiden grand slam final at the US Open and became the first Asian singles player to qualify for the prestigious season-ending Tour Finals after climbing to fifth in the world rankings.
The 24-year-old, beaten by Marin Cilic in the final in New York, used the Tour Finals spotlight to prove once again he can compete with the very best as he made the semi-finals thanks to wins over Andy Murray and David Ferrer.
Although his campaign ended with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-0 defeat against Novak Djokovic in the last four on Saturday, even that was an encouraging experience for Nishikori, who was closer to victory than the scoreline suggested after becoming the first player to take a set off the world No 1 since October.
Now Nishikori will embark on a rigorous off-season training schedule motivated by the growing belief he can make a significant challenge for the first major of 2015 at the Australian Open in January.
“It was one of the best years for me. For sure I have to do well this off-season. I have to train well and be injury-free again,” Nishikori said.
“I think I will have a lot of chance in the big tournaments, especially grand slams. Hopefully I can come back to a final again.
“I love to play the Australian Open, so hopefully I can have good start of the year there.”
Nishikori’s rise to his career-high top five included winning four ATP titles in six final appearances.
Now he has set his sights on emulating the consistency of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who have all set up camp at the top of the rankings for a decade or more.
“It’s really amazing. Novak, Rafa, Roger, they win grand slams a couple of times a year,” Nishikori said.
“I had so much stress and pressure in US Open playing seven matches. I can’t imagine how they handle the pressure and everything through the whole year.
“It’s not like I can make it to grand slam semi-finals and finals easily. It’s no promise.
“I need a little more experience to get there. But I think also you get more motivation when you get a higher ranking.”
Although Nishikori knows he isn’t quite at the level of the Big Three just yet, he is confident matches like Saturday’s against Djokovic show he isn’t far away.
“For sure it’s really tough to play these three players. They are very consistent from the baseline,” he added.
“Like you saw today, even though he lost the second set, he was still focused. He knows what he has to do to win.
“For sure they have a little more experience. It’s always tough to play them.
“But I think I’m getting really close. I beat Roger this year and also Novak. It’s not like I can’t beat them.”
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Tori Amos
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Decca
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RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m
Winner: AF Mozhell, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Majdi, Szczepan Mazur, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Athabeh, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: AF Eshaar, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi
4pm: Gulf Cup presented by Longines Prestige (PA) Dh150,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Al Roba’a Al Khali, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Younis Al Kalbani
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Apolo Kid, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muahiri
The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Company%20Profile
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EMIRATES'S%20REVISED%20A350%20DEPLOYMENT%20SCHEDULE
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Company%20Profile
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Company%20profile
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5