VIDEO: Karaoke session with Kei Nishikori

Look who's singing karaoke at the Roland Garros' karaoke booth...

Well, I don't understand Japanese... but he could be singing "My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades".

Kei Nishikori wins first comeback title

Good news for all Kei Nishikori fans out there.

Nishikori won his first pro tournament since his comeback yesterday by winning the ATP Challenger in Savannah.

He defeated Ryan Sweeting 6-4, 6-0. Not bad, huh?!

Kei with NB coach Glenn Weiner.

The Japanese will probably play his first match at the Sarasota Challenger on this coming Tuesday.

Thanks IMG Tennis for the info.

(Images by IMG)

Kei Nishikori fit to play Wii but not Japan Open

Kei Nishikori, who recently underwent a small microscopic surgery to remove a minor bone spur, was at the EA booth at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championship yesterday.

Sporting a wavy new hairdo, Nishikori was there to promote EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis, developed specifically for the Wii.

Nishikori is one of the characters featured in the popular game (Asian edition).


(Images via game.watch.impress.co.jp)

TENNIS WATCH: Kei Nishikori, Rogers Cup, Kim Clijsters

Kei Nishikori withdrew from the US Open.

According to IMG, Nishikori underwent a small microscopic surgery to remove a minor bone spur last week under the care of. Dr. Saito in Tokyo.

Kei is expected to be back on the court and start practice in about 4-6 weeks.

IMG is currently finalizing Nishikori’s protected ranking with the ATP, which will enable him to participate in most of the big tournaments in the first half of 2010.

*******

Back to Montreal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic all won their opening matches at the Rogers Cup.

Federer defeated Canadian Frederic Niemeyer 7-6(3), 6-4.

Djokovic overcame another home favourite, Peter Polansky, 6-4, 7-6(6).

Murray had an easy won against Jeremy Chardy 6-4, 6-2.

In the doubles event, Rafael Nadal and Francisco Roig was defeated by doubles specialist Max Mirnyi and Andy Ram in a super tiebreak round 2 match with the results 6-4, 3-6, 8-10.

*******

Congrats to comeback queen Kim Clijsters for winning her first WTA match in straight sets, defeating world no.13 Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-3.

It'll be interesting to see her dominate women's tennis again.

2009 Malaysian Open media briefing: Wilson, Twitter & Tomas Berdych

As usual, I was punctual to the Malaysian Open media briefing.

I greeted the Event Director and the Media Director before took a seat at the Business Conference Room.

I could see four huge buntings of Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori, Serena Williams and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga standing proud in the room.

As you know, we won't be having Tsonga, Williams and Federer here but we do have Japanese teenage sensation Nishikori who is one of the star player to appear in the Malaysian Open next month.

The media briefing kicked off with a quiz and the prize was an autographed photo of Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. I didn't even try to answer (you know why!), so someone else won it.

Then Tournament Director, Nick Freyer took time to explain about the hawk-eye system which is first used in this region.

Actually throughout that evening, I was busy twittering some of the information I gathered from the event.

• At Mandarin Oriental. Media briefing will start in 15min.
• http://twitpic.com/cpwzw - at the 2nd media briefing for Malaysian Open. They are going to announce Wilson as 1 of the official sponsor.
• Someone won an autograph photo of pete and roger
• http://twitpic.com/cpy32 - tourney director explaning the hawkeye system first used in this region
• Marcos Baghdatis' agent requested for a wildcard to play at the malaysian open
• Tomas Berdych is the player announced today to play at the @KLopentennis

• I've asked the tourney director abt the possibilities for Verdasco to play in dubs with Feli. Not sure yet but he doesn't deny
• One of the Indian dubs specialist will play in the Malaysian Open
• 5 candidates were shortlisted for interview for the 'best job'. That include @jitterbug70!
• Ok i'm off now to get my goodies bag
• http://twitpic.com/cq41g - more pic frm media briefing.. Tomas Berdych the latest to play in the Malaysian Open
• http://twitpic.com/cq63m - Malaysian Open have ballgirls too? Tourney director, Ltam president and wilson boss pose with the models

Check out the official uniform sponsored by Wilson for the Malaysian Open.

LTAM President, Amer Sports (Wilson Malaysia) Country Manager, Tourney Director and the models need a giant racket each like the one Will Farrell used in an exho match back in May.

According to the Tournament Director, merchandises will only be available for sale in the second year. So probably you won't get to buy the tournament cap, balls, etc. this year.

Wilson gave away goodie bag to everyone who attended the media briefing.

Inside the Roger Federer-15th GS celebration-paperbag, there's a huge Malaysian Open tennis ball, an Australian Open key chain (this is what I've always wanted!), caps, socks, a K Factor t-shirt!

Well, that's it for now. I'll be back with more updated on the Malaysian Open soon.

For tickets information, go to: http://malaysianopentennis.com/tickets.html

(Photo credit: 3rd and 4th Images by IMG)

Malaysian Open: One-way ticket to see shirtless players under the equatorial sun

Eight players already announced their commitment to join the Malaysian Open scheduled this September - (pictures in sequence) Lleyton Hewitt, Robin Soderling, David Ferrer, Fernando Gonzalez, Nikolay Davydenko, Gael Monfils, Kei Nishikori and Fernando Verdasco.

Malaysia is located near to the equator, so it's extremely hot and humid throughout the year.

Although the tournament is going to be held indoor, there's still high possibility that you'll see the players shirtless on and off court especially during practice, jogging and changovers.

Here's a preview of what you'll most likely see (I mean hot bods!) between September 26 to October 4, 2009.

If you like what you see, book your tickets now. Go to: http://malaysianopentennis.com/tickets.html

Be fast!

ATP 250 Malaysian Open '09 - The Launch

On Friday, I had the opportunity to attend a media launch organised by IMG at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

I did not know it was the launch of an ATP 250 event as the invitation only stated 'a major annual sports and entertainment event for Malaysia'.

But I sort of know that it was a tennis event - or else why would they want to invite me.

As soon as I registered myself as a tennis blogger (the Media Director was a bit surprised), I took my 'goodie bag' (still not knowing it was the launch of the Malaysian Open) and searched for a place to check out the 'freebies' in the bag.

In the 'goodie bag' - An official guide to pro tennis 2009, ATP World Tour 2009 season book and a ATP 250 Malaysian Open notebook.

Now I bet you can imagine how happy I was when I finally saw the ATP 250 and Malaysian Open logos on the bag!

Then I met up with loose cannon who introduced to me the reporters and people from the press like the Malay Mail and NST.

Being kiasu, I quickly went into the conference room and grabbed the front seat so that I can get a good view to record some footage.

While most people from the media were still outside, I wassitting inside enjoying the slide show - I couldn't believe my eyes that Kei Nishikori, Fernando Verdasco, Fernando Gonzalez, David Ferrer, Gael Monfils and Nikolay Davydenko were some of the players who will be here in September!

With a James Blunt's song in the background, I got goosebumps and a chill running down my spine. I can't remember how many tweets and text messages I've sent out sharing the great news.

So, Kuala Lumpur won the right to host the prestigious ATP World Tour 250 for a period of five years from this year until 2013.

The Malaysian Open, to be organised by IMG, a world leader in sports and lifestyle marketing, will carry a total prize money of USD947,750, more than the amount offered at Thailand Open which is to be held on the same week.

This event will be held at the 16,000-capacity indoor Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Sept 26 till Oct 4. Very, very near to my house indeed!

The Malaysian Open joins the Thailand Open, China Open, Japan Open and Shanghai Masters as Asian events on the ATP Tour schedule.

"There is great demand for cities to host ATP World Tour events and in particular within the Asian region," said Brad Drewett, CEO of ATP International.

"Kuala Lumpur presented a very strong application to become part of the ATP World Tour."

Here's the launch video which I want to share with you.

Tournament director Nick Freyer, who is also IMG Senior Vice-President and Head of Tennis for Asia, confirmed the participation of the 6 players mentioned earlier in this post.

If you haven't watch the welcome messages in my previous blog post, here we go again:

Freyer who received a 'special phone call' in the middle of his speech, later invited the Prime Minister to announce the participation of another player, who turned out to be 2009 French Open runner-up Robin Soderling.

Initially I thought that gimmick 'phone call' came from Roger Federer!

Now during the Q&A session, I managed to ask a question. I was glad when the tournament director assured that wildcards will be given based on merits. I'll be disappointed if wildcards will be given to local players whom I believe not ready to play at this level yet.

The event ended on high note when the Prime Minister officially launched the event and the official website (www.MalaysianOpenTennis.com).

Right after the event, I quickly dashed to the registration counter, got myself the press kit and an extra 'goodie bag' for Esther.

Before I end this post, let me share with you some information which I've got regarding the Malaysian Open. I bet you want to know things like the schedule of event, ticket price, venue and facilities, etc.

Dummies' Guide To Malaysian Open

Stay tune for more as HCFoo's Tennis Blog will provide you with more info regarding the Malaysian Open.

(Images by HCFoo)

Breaking news: Kuala Lumpur confirmed the latest stop on ATP World Tour

After months of speculation, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is confirmed the latest stop on the ATP World Tour!

At HCFoo's Tennis Blog, we promise to bring you both on-court and off-court coverage of the ATP 250 Malaysian Open between September 26 to October 4, 2009!

Before I share with you my experience at the press conference today, let me share with you the messages from the players - David Ferrer, Nikolay Davydenko, Fernando Verdasco, Gael Monfils and Kei Nishikori are some of the big names who will be playing in Kuala Lumpur!

The other players who have confirmed their participations are Robin Soderling and Fernando Gonzalez.

For more info regarding about the tournament, visit the Malaysian Open official website.

Stay tune for more....

Updates on Kei Nishikori: The good news and the bad news

Which one do you prefer to read first?

Alright the good news is Kei Nishikori was recently featured in a TV commercial for the first time.

The commercial for Gatorade is called "If you wish to win" was aired in Japan last week.

Commercial Overview
Title: Gatorade new TV Commercial “If you wish to win” version (60 sec/30 sec/15 sec)
Featuring: Kei Nishikori
Music: The Blue Herb 「One Step」
This special tune was written for this commercial by the Blue Herb.
Air date: Tuesday May 19, 2009
Air Coverage: Japan

Now, the bad news...

According to bunny in menstennisforums, Kei's injury seems to be getting from bad to worse.

Here's what he said:

Nishikori has returned to Japan and held a press conference today (May 25), revealing that a recent MRI scan at an elbow specialist in New York found a small stress fracture deep in his elbow.

He will stay at his parents' house in Shimane for a while and aim at returning to tour at USO.

He said it really let him down when he learned about the fracture after going through eight weeks of intensive rehabs. He also felt really bad and angry but all he can do now is rest.

It's going to be awhile before we can see Kei on court again.

Hopefully he'll recover fast and not to be plagued with such serious injuries in the future.

Kei Nishikori pulls out of French Open

Kei Nishikori who went back to court for practices earlier this month after a series of injury.

However the latest updates confirmed that Kei is pulling out from the French Open next week due to an injured right elbow.

Kei has not played since losing in the first round at Indian Wells in March.

Once ranked as high as No. 56, Kei is currently 117th.

(Via AP; Image by IMG via keinishikori.com)

Moneymaker Kei Nishikori to be featured in ESPN the Magazine

Kei Nishikori is currently ranked at no. 118 in the world and yet his endorsement deals are said to have approached the level of top 10 players like Andy Roddick and the Williams sisters.

How does he do that?

You can read all about it on the ESPN website or download the article here.

The story written by Lindsay Berra will appear in the May 18 issue of ESPN the Magazine.

Thanks to Olivier of IMG for this piece of article.

Shirtless Kei Nishikori hits the court

Here are some new shirtless photos of Kei Nishikori who went back to court recently after a series of arm injury.

Kei looks healthy and I think he's going back to tournament very soon.

(Images by IMG via Kei Nishikori's official website)

Kei Nishikori visits EA Sports studio

Recently, Kei Nishikori, the cover athlete for EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis (Japanese edition) visited the EA Sports studio in Orlando.

"I am really excited to featured in EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis," Kei said.

"I enjoy representing Japan on the court and the fact that I am now included along with both current and past players in the game is really great."

"The Grand Slams are tournaments that every tennis professional wants to win and now through the game everyone will be able to put themselves on the court and experience the excitement and joy of playing as a pro."

Kei tried his hand on the game.

He chose to play his own character and played against Pete Sampras and Rafael Nadal.

The results?

Look at Kei's reaction here. He won without breaking a sweat!

Kei has the potential to beat those big guys in real tennis matches. But he has to recover completely from the current arm injury first.

Thanks to Olivier of IMG for the photos.

(Images by Carlos Navarro/EA SPORTS)

Kei Nishikori heads back to court; finally gets to swing his racquet

Kei Nishikori is finally back on court training, with a racquet in his hands.

Looks like the Japanese tennis star is practising on red clay court preparing himself for the clay court season.

If everything goes well, he could start playing in Belgrade!

There is another great news about Kei.

He is featured on the cover of the Japanese version of EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis alongside John McEnroe and Rafael Nadal!

(Images via nickstennispicks.com, keinishikori.com)

Kei Nishikori trains hard but minus the racquet

Kei Nishikori recently blogged in his official website about training, getting treatment and rehabilitation, and his parents.

The Japanese tennis star said he has been training hard for a month now... but without a tennis racquet!

"Because it's been a considerable amount of time since I haven't played tennis at all, it feels pretty strange to me."

"I feel a bit uneasy that I won't be able to play like I used to before, because I have never experienced not holding a racket for such a long time."

Despite his elbow injury, Kei said his training is tough.

"My schedule is kind of tough. I train for one hour in the morning, get treatment and rehabilitation, and then train again for two more hours in the afternoon."

"Sometimes I focus on mental conditioning, depending on the day."

Then Kei joked about his parents who had stayed with him for about 5 weeks in Florida.

"Maybe they stayed for too long? Haha, I'm just kidding. We have a good time together."

"My mom's cooking made me gain a little weight. I wish I could gain muscle instead!"

Will he be able to recover on time for Roland Garros?

Chances seem to be very low.

(Images by IMG via Kei's official blog)

Kei Nishikori, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga also featured in EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis

Save up money from now on if you want to get hold of this game that features an impressive roster of current and legendary men's and women's players.

Check out this video that features some of the star players.

Also confirmed will be joining the list are Kei Nishikori and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Developed specifically for the Wii, EA SPORTS Grand Slam Tennis delivers the deepest and richest tennis experience ever developed for the platform with real life tennis strokes letting anyone quickly pick up a racket and use every shot type and inch of the court.

It is the exclusive home of Wimbledon and includes all four Grand Slams: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, the U.S. Open and Wimbledon.

(Via EA Sports, menstennisforums.com)

Kei Nishikori's official website is up and running

Finally, Kei's official website is ready and has been updated!

It's available in both Japanese and English language.

If you are a fan, do drop Kei an encouraging message.

Winners of 2008 ATP World Tour & Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards

While Ana Ivanovic is still not done with the "kickoff" party last night (clue: look for a tennis ball), let's take a good look at the nice rundown of winners of the 2008 ATP World Tour and Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards.

2008 ATP World Tour Player Awards
Player Of The Year - Rafael Nadal
Doubles Team Of The Year - Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic
Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Of The Year - James Blake
Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award - Roger Federer
Most Improved - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Newcomer of the Year - Kei Nishikori
Comeback Player of the Year - Rainer Schuettler
ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favorite (Singles) - Roger Federer
ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favorite (Doubles) - Bob & Mike Bryan
Ron Bookman Media Excellence Award - Alan Trengove

2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player Awards
Player of the Year - Serena Williams
Doubles Team of the Year - Cara Black and Liezel Huber
Most Improved Player - Dinara Safina
Comeback Player of the Year - Zheng Jie
Newcomer of the Year - Caroline Wozniacki
Humanitarian of the Year - Ana Ivanovic
Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award - Elena Dementieva
Player Service Award - Liezel Huber
Favorite Premier Tournament - Porsche Tennis Grand Prix (Stuttgart)
Favorite International Tournament - Commonwealth Bank Tennis Classic (Bali)

(Images by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Kei Nishikori in Miami but not hitting the court

Kei Nishikori paid a visit to Baptist Children's Hospital in Miami yesterday.

However the Japanese tennis star is not playing at the Sony Ericsson Open due to an elbow injury.

According to nikkansports.com, Kei saw an elbow specialist in New York after losing in Indian Wells. At the doctor's recommendation, he decided to take at least weeks off to focus on rest and rehabilitation.

Now bad news aside, Kei's appearance in Miami could mean something good.

He is one of the five candidates for the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award alongside Jeremy Chardy, Marcel Granollers, Philipp Petzschner and Eduardo Schwank.

The winner will be announced today. Kei has a good chance of grabbing this award!

Updates: As predicted, Kei has won the ATP Newcomer of the Year Award. Congrats!

(Via bunny@menstennisforums.com; Images via Sony Ericsson Open website)

One with too much love; One who's out of love

It's amazing how Fernando Verdasco got Camilla Belle and Caroline Wozniacki sit in the same box during his match with Roger Federer at the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Too bad the girls weren't sit next to each other or else we could be seeing a catfight, no? :D

Moving on to another love gossip, many Japanese and Chinese media reported that Kei Nishikori has broken up with girlfriend Ai Fukuhara.

Will keep you guys updated on this.

(Images via Great Tennis Photos, cnwnc.com)