Japan Hails Osaka, Nishikori's Historic Run To US Open Semis
Muhammad Rameez Published September 06, 2018 | 03:18 PM
Japanese media and fans on Thursday rained down the superlatives on tennis stars Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka who made history by both reaching the US Open semi-finals.
Tokyo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Sep, 2018 ) :Japanese media and fans on Thursday rained down the superlatives on tennis stars Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka who made history by both reaching the US Open semi-finals.
"There is no stopping the Japanese players," screamed the Nikkan Gendai tabloid, after the pair became the first from the country to secure semi-final berths in both singles competitions during a Grand Slam.
Particular praise was heaped on 20-year-old Osaka, who became the first Japanese woman to get into the top four at the US Open.
The last Japanese woman to achieve a Grand Slam semi-final was Kimiko date at Wimbledon in 1996 -- a year before Osaka was born.
"Osaka was in full throttle from the start," Nikkan sports said in its digital edition, reviewing her 6-1, 6-1 quarter-final victory over Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko.
"She showed her strength and accuracy, as well as a cool intellect to predict how her opponent would move." "She has taken a step into uncharted territory for Japanese women in New York," the paper added.
Osaka's feat was credited with lifting the share price of her racquet producer Yonex, which soared more than 10 percent on the Tokyo Stock Exchange while the headline Nikkei index sank.
Meanwhile, Nishikori's victory over Marin Cilic was seen as sweet revenge for the 2014 US Open final, which ended in victory for the giant Croat.
Former world number-four Nishikori, 29, pulled off a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 4-6, 6-4 victory this time.
"Nishikori gets his revenge on Cilic," said a Sports Nippon headline.
Nishikori next faces Novak Djokovic, while Osaka will play Madison Keys from the US.
Excited fans cheered on the Japanese players and allowed themselves to dream about silverware.
"Great! I want to see her go against Serena in the final," said one Twitter user.
"Awesome! Nishikori-san and Naomi Osaka get into the semi-finals. Next match is vs Djokovic. Please win," wrote another.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
3 Gawadar attack victims funeral offered
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
Usmani felicitates Sardar Saleem on taking oath as Punjab Governor
DC for provision of facilities to people in Lasbela
Solar storm could bring auroras, power and telecoms disruptions
Court grants interim bail to PTI leaders
Ulema, Mashaykh call for political accountability, collaboration for Pakistan's ..
SHRC asks NADRA to issue CNICs to transgender as per law
Flash floods kill 50 in one day in north Afghanistan
CDA chief expresses commitment to promoting modern-day technologies
By wide margin, UN General Assembly votes to back Palestinian bid for membership ..
Musadik slams PTI's political approach as provocative
More Stories From Sports
-
Mbappe says he will leave PSG at end of season
5 hours ago -
Shakib claims four as Bangladesh edge Zimbabwe
5 hours ago -
Austria's Grand Slam winner Thiem to retire at end of season
5 hours ago -
Central Asian Volleyball C'ship trophy unveiled
9 hours ago -
Two-day ‘Commissioner Tent Pegging festival’ to start on May 11
9 hours ago -
Cricket: Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe 4th T20 International
9 hours ago
-
Olympiakos make history by reaching Europa Conference League final
9 hours ago -
Tamasha to livestream ICC men's T20 World Cup 2024
10 hours ago -
Pakistan and Japan Final clash in Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 on Saturday
10 hours ago -
Pakistan-New Zealand match ends in 1-1 draw
12 hours ago -
CAF Confederation Cup final set for Morocco amid drama
16 hours ago -
Sanchez escapes through dust and gravel for nervy Giro triumph
1 day ago