Nishikori expecting no favours from Kohlschreiber

Omnisports

January 16, 2016 4:04 AM

Kei Nishikori is not expecting an easy match against unseeded Australian Open first-round opponent Philipp Kohlschreiber.

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World number seven Nishikori is a two-time quarter-finalist at Melbourne Park and feels Kohlschreiber, ranked 34th in the ATP Tour, was unlucky not to be seeded heading into the grand slam, which gets underway on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Melbourne on Saturday, Japanese star Nishikori said: "It's not going to be easiest first match. He's been playing a lot and he has a lot of experience.

"I'm not sure why he's not seeded. But, yeah, it's going to be tough.

"I've been playing well, like I said. It's going to be exciting first match."

Nishikori played the Brisbane International in the lead up to the Australian Open, losing to Australian Bernard Tomic in the quarter-finals.

The 2014 US Open runner-up is happy with his preparation ahead of one of his favourite grand slams.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I had two match in Brisbane and played, you know, good tennis" he said.

"I have been practicing really well this week. I'm feeling pretty good for next week.

"I think this is one of the best grand slams they have.

"I feel like I have a lot of support, like a lot of Asian and even Japanese came for watch.

"So I feel very comfortable playing here. I hope I can win this tournament sometime."

Omnisports

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