Kei Nishikori, who beat Novak Djokovic to reach his first Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, almost didn't play the tournament because of a cyst in his right foot.
"I just started playing points few days ago before the tournament. I didn't even know if I should come to New York, you know, so I wasn't expecting nothing actually," said Nishikori following his semifinal victory. "But after playing first match and second match, you know, I get more confidence on my foot and it was no pain at the moments."
Nishikori's long-time coach, Dante Bottini, said the 25-year-old from Japan had to stay off his feet and could not play points until the Tuesday before the tournament because of a procedure to remove the cyst. However, Michael Chang, who has also been coaching Nishikori this season, said he encouraged his player to take part in the event and attempt to find his form during the first two rounds.
Nishikori played two four-hour matches in the fourth round and quarterfinals, the latter ending at 2:26 AM. Two days off before the semifinal helped, he noted, though it still affected him.
"You know, it wasn't easy, you know, playing two five sets and four hours match. You know, it was even tough for me to play today. Especially third and fourth I couldn't really put effort for every game," he said.
Nishikori is the first Asian male to reach a Grand Slam final.