World number five Kei Nishikori is aiming to replicate his last year's performance that saw him reach US Open final, saying that he feels stronger, smarter and confident ahead of his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title later this month.
The 25-year-old, who is playing a tune-up event at the Washington Open, said that he got a little stronger mentally as he could now believe in himself a little bit more after beating top 10 players like Djokovic and Wawrinka, Sport24 reported.
Nishikori said that he was staying tough and hoped he could play good tennis in the coming few weeks.
The Asian number one admitted that he is perfectly fit afterhepulled out of Wimbledon Championships with a calf injury ahead of his second round contest.
Nishikori was the runner-up in the 2014 US Open, losing the finale to Marin Cilic.
