"I grew up watching him play": Carlos Alcaraz pays glowing tribute to Kei Nishikori

While Carlos Alcaraz shines on courts around the world, the Spanish prodigy surprised everyone by revealing one of his childhood idols: Kei Nishikori. A deeply respectful tribute to a player many thought was forgotten, but who left his mark on a generation.

"I love Kei Nishikori. I grew up watching him play: his style, the way he moves, the way he hits the ball. For me, it was impressive to see him beat the best players in the world, win the most beautiful trophies on the tour, and reach the final of a Grand Slam tournament.

He was a player I really enjoyed watching play, so for me, it has been an honor. I never had the chance to play against him, but it was an honor to see him perform at his best level. Japan was lucky to have a player like Kei Nishikori."

Unfortunate runner-up at the 2014 US Open, former world No. 4 (2015), Nishikori may never have won a Grand Slam, but he left an indelible mark on the history of modern tennis. Hardworking, elegant, respected by all, the Japanese player embodied a form of silent tenacity and purity in his game that inspired far more players than one might think... including a certain Carlos Alcaraz.