Kei Nishikori is looking to build on his increasing confidence on clay with a deep run at the French Open.
Since starting to work with former French Open champ Michael Chang, the 26-year-old from Japan has improved his performances on the surface. He won the ATP 500 event in Barcelona in 2014 and 2015 and fell to Rafael Nadal in the final there in April. He also reached the Madrid final in 2014.
"I really feel confident, especially these past three years,” he told reporters at the French Open after his 6-1, 7-5, 6-3 first-round win over Simone Bolelli. “I have won Barcelona two times. [I] couldn't defend this title this year, but I have been beating Top 10 guys on clay."
At the 2015 French Open, Nishikori reached the quarterfinals. He also reached the second week in 2013 when he advanced to the fourth round.
Nishikori, who is in Andy Murray's section of the draw, took Novak Djokovic to three sets in Rome and is looking to upset the tournament favorites.
"On clay, I think the biggest challenge is beating [Rafael Nadal], and Novak and Andy, too,” he said. “I think that's my next challenge.”
Nishikori is No. 6 in the rankings, and is seeded fifth at Roland Garros.