JAPAN is looking for more TENNIS STARS
Japan typically produces some of the world’s top tennis players, especially on the men’s side. However, the emergence of young standout Kei Nishikori is going to give the Japanese tennis game someone to watch.
Nishikori, who recently turned 23 years old, made the quarters at last year’s Australian Open, and is currently ranked #19 in the world rankings. Nishikori’s game is built around excellent footwork and endurance, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him challenge for a major title in 2013.
Two women have been top scorers over the past two decades. Kimiko Date-Krumm, who is still competing at the age of 42, leads the way with eight WTA titles and is ranked as high as #4 in the world, 17 years ago.
Another player of note was Ai Sugiyama, who retired in 2009. She won six WTA titles during her long career, and was also a doubles expert, having won three Grand Slam titles between 2000-03.
MORITA HOLDS VICTOR ON WTA TOUR . BECOME
The hopes of Japan’s new women’s tennis team rest squarely on the shoulders of 22-year-old Ayumi Morita. She is the highest Japanese woman in the world at the #81 spot. However, his career best world ranking was #40, achieved in October 2011.
Small in stature at five feet four inches tall, Morita uses speed and consistency with her fundamentals to make up for her weaknesses, especially when serving.
His best finish in a Grand Slam tournament so far was the third round at the 2011 Australian Open. He also produced second round events in 2012 at the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
Approaching her birthday on March 11, this year could be a career highlight for Morita. She has shown tantalizing performances in world history, but she needs to stay healthy and stay competitive in the title in the WTA. There is no higher price in the world.
Morita started the 2013 season with a respectable performance at the Apia Sydney International. She ended the tournament with a great victory over Daniela Hantuchova by a score of 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. But her next match ended in disappointment with a straight sets 6-1, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Chinese Li Na.
Next up for Morita is the Australian Open. She previously played some of her best tennis in Melbourne, and at least two wins in the next two weeks will give her 2013 season a boost from the start of her success and her fans are hoping.
Patrick Hattman has lived in Japan for more than a decade and continues to closely follow the country’s best athletes and sports teams.
