Nishikori Wins

Well, who would have expected that? Kei Nishikori, the 18 year old Japanese qualifier, managed to push around James Blake, trading shot for shot with Blake (and surprisingly, using a Wilson racquet, probably due to a lack of a Yonex or other Japanese branded racquet). Nishikori had this one really creative shot. He appeared to be running around his backhand, and possibly hitting an inside out drop shot.

Instead, he shoved the ball down the line, and James Blake just look dumb-founded.

Blake had to be surprised that Nishikori could play that well. Nishikori seems a bit short, and hit a lot of shots with both feet off the ground. He has a pretty solid backhand, and doesn't seem to be nervous to make it to the net. Apparently, he trained at Bollettieri's, even though his English is somewhat halting.

And Jimmy Arias doing commentary. His name is a blast from the past. Back when the US had a clay court circuit, he was doing it, even making the US Open semis, until everyone's big game left him behind. Arias probably felt he was born about 5 years too late, and he could have been a great player of the late 70s, instead of a player with a short career in the 80s.

Let's see where Nishikori heads after this.