Daily Mix: Naomi Osaka gets a shot at Serena Williams in the US Open final

Advertising

NEW YORK—Kei Nishikori says Naomi Osaka should have a shot against Serena Williams in the final of the US Open.

Nishikori and Osaka are Japan's top-ranked players on the men's and women's tour, respectively, and both reaching the semifinals of the US Open. Osaka's straightforward victory against Madison Keys in the semifinals was good experience for the final, according to Nishikori.

"I think she's going to be fine," he said. "She was really enjoying, playing great tennis all the time. I was really happy she was playing unbelievable tennis."

Advertising

Kei Nishikori: Compatriot Osaka "going to have chance to beat Serena"

Kei Nishikori: Compatriot Osaka "going to have chance to beat Serena"

Osaka will be playing her first Grand Slam final, facing a player she grew up admiring. But Nishikori says Osaka could be competitive if she can keep up her play during the tournament.

"I'm sure she is going to have chance to beat Serena. She's playing different level. I think now she can stay with her," he said. "I'm sure it's different, final and semis. But I hope she can enjoy and play a good level."

Osaka is No. 20 in the rankings.

Advertising

Kei Nishikori: Compatriot Osaka "going to have chance to beat Serena"

Kei Nishikori: Compatriot Osaka "going to have chance to beat Serena"

Wake up every morning with Tennis Channel Live at the US Open starting at 8 a.m. ET. For three hours leading up to the start of play, Tennis Channel’s team will break down upcoming matches, review tournament storylines, breaking news and player developments.

Tennis Channel’s encore, all-night match coverage will begin every evening at 11 p.m. ET, with the exception of earlier starts on Saturday and Sunday of championship weekend.

Watch the best matches from the first three Grand Slams on Tennis Channel PLUS. From Federer’s historic win at the Australian Open to Halep’s breakthrough at Roland Garros. It all starts Monday, August 27th.

Follow the Race to ATP Finals this fall on Tennis Channel PLUS. Live coverage from the biggest stops including Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai & Paris.