Kei Nishikori: Novak Djokovic was just too strong, I couldn't do anything

Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori admitted that Novak Djokovic was just too strong for him on Thursday at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Nishikori, now ranked at No. 69 in the world, stood no chance against Djokovic as the Serb earned a dominant 6-2 6-0 win to progress into the Tokyo semiifnal. 

The match was played behind the closed doors but Nishikori badly wanted to make the semifinal and give himself a chance to fight for a medal. 

Unfortunately for Nishikori, he fell short in his attempt. 

"Djokovic was just too strong, I couldn't do anything, feel frustrated for that. With failing to make many first serves, I didn't get my rhythm, had a bad start on my serve in both sets," Nishikori said, as revealed by Seidoumogera/Twitter. 

Djokovic dominated Nishikori 

Djokovic started the match with a 3-0 lead and earned his second break of the set in the eighth game to comfortably win the opener. 

Djokovic was even more dominant in the second set as he claimed three breaks and lost no service games. 

"It's a tough loss for sure, but it was a good week. I've got that good feelings back for the first time in a while, played some good matches and taken much positives despite the defeat," Nishikori noted. 

Nishikori was disappointed he couldn't get a medal for Japan. 

"Under such difficult circumstances I can play with supports from many people, I'm grateful for that, feel sorry that I couldn't repay the support with a good result, will try again next time," Nishikori said. 

Nishikori was also disappointed because there were no fans in attendance. 

"I wish we could have had the crowd, it's a bit sad to play in the empty stadium on home soil, but I was able to stay focused to play, overall it was fun. I'll be back on the tour next week. I've taken much positives from the Games, want to make it a huge step for me," Nishikori added.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3i8eTQa