NEW YORK - Japan's soon-to-retire Kei Nishikori moved within a win of the U.S. Open main draw Wednesday after beating 16-year-old American Michael Antonius 6-4, 6-4 in the second round of qualifying.
The 36-year-old Nishikori went up 4-0 in the first set and 3-0 in the second before sealing the win with an ace in a commanding 1-hour, 16-minute match at Flushing Meadows, where he was runner-up in 2014.
"Managing to win in straight sets for the first time in a while makes me happiest," said Nishikori, who announced in April that he will retire at the end of the season.
The former world No. 4 has been plagued by injuries in recent years, starting with left hip surgery in January 2022, but showed his class on the day by amassing 21 winners against four from his much younger opponent.
"There was a point or two I won while getting to play the way I want, and it was fun. I feel (my shots) are gradually getting better."
Nishikori will face his 20-year-old countryman Rei Sakamoto in the crucial third round, an encounter he is relishing.
"He's a player I genuinely want to get stronger," said Nishikori, stating he has practiced with Sakamoto many times but has never played a competitive match against him. "I'm happy we can play for real at the end (of my career)."
