New York, Sep 7 (IANS): The 10th-seeded Japanese star Kei Nishikori beat World No.1 Novak Djokovic from Serbia 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-3 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the US Open, becoming the first Asian tennis player to reach a Grand Slam men's singles final.
"I don't know what's going on," said the 24-year-old native of Shimane in the on-court interview Saturday, reports Xinhua.
"I was a little bit tight, especially since it was my first semi-final in a Grand Slam. It's just an amazing, amazing feeling, beating the No.1 player. I'm so happy."
The top seed got 13 breakpoints throughout the match, but he only converted four of them, while Nishikori converted five out of seven breakpoints.
"I knew I was a little bit nervous, getting nervous, you know, first time semis here," said Nishikori.
"I was playing really well and really aggressive, and didn't wait for the ball. Even the opponent is, you know, Novak, I was playing my tennis. Everything worked well today."
Djokovic had reached US Open final in the past four seasons, but his record finally came to an end.
"I congratulate him for the effort," said Djokovic after the match. "He was the better player today."