Kei Nishikori makes no excuses following US Open exit

Kei Nishikori had no excuses after being knocked out of the 2015 US Open at the first hurdle by Benoit Paire.

Nishikori reached the final in New York 12 months ago but was edged out by Paire this time 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 6-4.

The Frenchman played some great tennis against the world number four, who admitted afterwards that he had been beaten by the better player on the day.

“It’s very sad to lose in the first round, but I think he was playing good tennis,” Nishikori said.

“I don’t think I played bad.

“He is a very aggressive player, so there were many long rallies and it was tough to get rhythm.”

The Japanese star added: “He hits a lot of drop shots and good serves. I think it’s more because of him I wasn’t playing 100 per cent.”