Djokovic offers no excuses

Serbian terms Nishikori's victory path-breaking for Japanese tennis

World number one Novak Djokovic had no explanation for his flat performance in a stunning semifinal loss to Japan's Kei Nishikori at the US Open on Saturday.

“I think he just played better in these conditions than I did,” the Serb said of the 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 setback in brutal heat and humidity on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I just wasn't managing to go through the ball in the court,” Djokovic told reporters.
“I wasn't in balance. Unforced errors. Even when the ball gets back to his part of the court it's pretty short; he takes advantage of it. On the other side I didn't. That's it.

“Other than that second set, my game today was not even close to what I wanted it to be. A lot of unforced errors, a lot of short balls. Just wasn't myself.”
Straining to make sense of his showing, reporters asked seven-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic whether he has been distracted by the approaching birth of his first child.

“Of course, I'm in touch with my wife. Of course, I am being part of her pregnancy. It's normal,” he said. “But it's no different for me in terms of preparing for the match and for the tournament. “I had all my dedication, everything directed to this US Open. I tried to give my best and I did. Now my best today was not where I wanted it to be.”

The Wimbledon champion gave full credit to the 10th-seeded Nishikori, who became the first male Asian player to reach a Grand Slam singles final.
“He played some great tennis. I congratulate him for the effort,” the Serb said. “He was the better player today.”

Djokovic said it was a great day for Japanese tennis.
“This is definitely huge for Japan,” he said. “This can definitely be a great encouragement for tennis in that country. “He's been around for last couple of years. He's been making a lot of success. But playing finals of a Grand Slam and now fighting for the title is definitely something different. He has gotten to another level.”

Roger not done
Roger Federer insists he will keep playing into 2015 but will not become obsessed over winning an 18th Grand Slam title, a target which is slipping further and further away.

The 33-year-old Swiss was knocked out by Marin Cilic, the world number 16 on Saturday, a loss which extended his failure to reach a final in New York to five years.

“It's not important to my life. I don't need it to be more happy or anything,” said the Swiss veteran when asked how significant an achievement it would be to capture an 18th major.

Federer's caution is understandable.
His 17th and most recent Grand Slam title was his seventh crown at Wimbledon in 2012 and even that came after having to wait over two years since his 16th at the 2010 Australian Open.

“The moment itself, it would mean a lot. I keep working hard to win titles on the tour, not just No 18.

“I was very happy to get to No 80 the other week (in Cincinnati, one of three tour titles in 2014), so that was huge for me.

“I'll give it a go again in Australia (next January); hope to be healthy there. I enjoy playing there. It's been one of my most consistent Slams. I hope to get another chance at it. I can't do more than try really hard, which I'm doing.”