Philipp Kohlschreiber will meet Kei Nishikori in the round of 16 of the US Open 2018. After his success against Alexander Zverev, the Augsburg native can once again be reckoned with anything.
By Jens Huiber from New York City
A few weeks ago Philipp Kohlschreiber strolled to the draw of the Generali Open in Kitzbühel, very relaxed, very casual. The voice of the local favourite was not quite as casual, Kohlschreiber was plagued by a cold. The only highlight of the week at the foot of the Kitzbüheler Horn was to remain the civil wedding with girlfriend Lena, Kohlschreiber lacked the physical substance for successful competitive tennis.
Philipp Kohlschreiber also travels casually in New York, fortunately with a firmer voice. And growing self-confidence. Against Yannick Hanfmann the German number one of many years had to endure a really difficult match, against Matthew Ebden it went well only after a lost set. Kohlschreiber said before the match against Alexander Zverev in Interview Room 2 that he had not yet shone.
After his success against Zverev, Kohlschreiber was allowed to answer questions in the largest press room. After his defeated opponent. When asked if Philipp Kohlschreiber was an underrated player, he said that his Davis Cup colleague was above all “under the radar”. In professional circles it has of course been known for years what fantastic repertoire the 34-year-old can fall back on.
This was expressly underlined by the German number one. He might not have had his best day, said Zverev, but Kohlschreiber played really well.
So Kohlschreiber opened his luxury belly shop against Zverev, usually taking the right shot from the portfolio. The slice was catchy, the feeling on the return was good, Kohlschreiber felt himself from the beginning. The loss of the first sentence didn’t bother him any more. “I had the feeling that I had lost him before Sascha had won him,” Kohlschreiber said.
Who is now allowed to play Kei Nishikori. That is missing from Philipp Kohlschreiber’s list of wishful opponents. Twice they played against each other, last time in Rome the German saw no light. The requirements against the Japanese have a very small intersection with those against Zverev, Kohlschreiber has to develop a new plan with coach Lars Uebel.
On the other hand, Nishikori have rarely shone during the last few months, after all they have made it to the quarter-finals in Wimbledon. Like in Washington, where Alexander Zverev had his last stop.
Manager Stephan Fehske is only available by telephone for a tactical Pow-Wow, he left New York a few days ago for professional reasons. Wife Lena, however, is once again on the road with Philipp.
His angular play is in demand, he has to drive Nishikori out of the court, after all a break deficit would not be the end of all hopes. In contrast to the big serveers like Alexander Zverev, the 28-year-old man from Shimane would always give his opponents the chance to make comebacks.
Philipp Kohlschreiber has had good experiences with the Big Guns: Especially at the US Open. As a reward for a victory against Nishikori, one of the Zverev/Isner category could wait again: Marin Cilic, the winner of 2014.
The matches between Philipp Kohlschreiber and Kei Nishikori: