Why Kei Nishikori Will Win a Grand Slam Title in 2015

If there's one thing that's more difficult than making a name for yourself, it's keeping it intact. Nowadays, reputation counts for a lot, especially in the tennis world. Kei Nishikori is currently looking to ensure he guards his hard-earned prestige by finally winning a Grand Slam in 2015.

But what makes us think he can do it?

So far, this year has been pretty good to the Japanese star.

While he might not have tasted success Down Under at the first Masters of the year, he was far from disastrous, managing to reach the quarter-finals.

Now, with a number of weeks to get ready for the French Open, he has time to take stock, prepare and plan his assault.

So, let's take a look at the aspects of Nishikori's game that will help him finally clinch at least one of the big three titles that remain on offer.

Recent form hints at explosive Slams

Pushing for consistent improvement, the 25-year-old star has been a beacon for progress, particularly now that he's the world No. 5.

Winning his eighth ATP title at the Memphis Open in February, Nishikori became the first-ever player to claim the title for the third time in a row, evidence of his dazzling ability to maintain that winning feeling over the past few years.

And he was full value for the win as he produced some scintillating winners across the court. In truth, he owned his opponents most of the time and put in a series of efficient shifts.

And it all bodes well for this year.

A quick look at his head-to-head record as recorded by Erika Gilbert of the National Post, even from late 2014, shows that he was improving against the best of the best. As you can see, below, Nishikori has performed at his peak against Marin Cilic, recording five wins. 

Credit: The National Post [Erika Gilbert]

The graph also highlights that he has work to do against the likes of Andy Murray, but the evidence is clear to see that the Japanese star is vastly improved from the player who once struggled to make much of an impact at any of the majors.

Indeed, Gilbert goes on to say that "Raonic, along with Nishikori, has been making steady progress in recent months."

True, winning on the hard courts of Memphis has rarely been the precursor to anything huge, but it's more his improved ability to maintain consistency at a competitive level that is noteworthy. And as seen in the chart above, his confidence has sparked a wave of big wins against some of his most talented peers.

It shows he has the hunger and determination to win anywhere he can—a true sign of a champion.

Experienced coach will be vital to success

Arguably the best way of effectively utilizing the winning mentality he already harbours is to listen to his coach and mentor Michael Chang.

Indeed, the effect Chang has had on the Japanese supremo's overall play is without question.

As reported by Martyn Herman of Reuters a few months ago, the player often dubbed "Project 45" is really benefiting from his rapport with Chang and is happy to have teamed up with such a like-minded professional.

"

It's not because we are Asian, but we are kind of the same in the way we play. He [Chang] wasn't the biggest guy on tour. He knows how I should play. But maybe also mentally he can understand a little more the Japanese way. He's teaching me to be mentally strong. He's very positive always. You know, I love his personality.

"

So, it's clear that their combination has been a successful one.

Although it has not yet helped them reap the rewards they're both aiming for, Chang's experience of winning a major when he was just 17 years old should play massively into their hands.

Although that was the American's only ever big title, it underlined his raw talent and sheer self-belief.

Despite not experiencing an upturn in fortunes in each major from 2013 to 2014, he did of course reach the U.S. Open final last year—the biggest indication that Chang is having a positive effect on him.

At 4:38 in the video below, we can see a great example of his combination of serving well before charging to the net with rapidity to win a point. And it remains a decent trick to have up his sleeve, something that has crept more and more into his game under Chang.

Preference for clay hints at French Open title

This year is perhaps one of the most open in recent memory from a competitive standpoint.

With young starlets coming out of the woodwork, and the current order being challenged and getting older, there is a huge opportunity for someone to snatch glory from the usual quartet of champions.

Having only recently—and briefly—displaced Andy Murray to get inside the top four in the world (Murray has since regained his spot, bumping Nishikori to No. 5), Nishikori has thrown the proverbial cat among the pigeons, and he will look to pounce before it's too late.

On paper, the clay and indoor hard surfaces look like his best chance of clinching a big win.

Past 12 months	Win percentage	Win-Loss Ratio
Clay	83.33	10-2
Grass	71.43	5-2
Hard Court	77.78	28-8
Indoor Hard	83.33	15-3
Carpet	N/A	N/A

Having pushed the "King of Clay," Rafael Nadal, all the way at Madrid in the summer of 2014, the 25-year-old right-hander was unfortunate to let a withdrawal get in his way.

And although there is always a certain amount of trepidation surrounding his future, if he can play well against Nadal, he's unlikely to fear anyone on the "sticky stuff."

Indeed, as I pointed out in a recent piece on Bleacher Report, Nishikori is one of the biggest obstacles to Nadal retaining his Roland Garros crown, as he possesses the handy talent of being able to react to short balls quickly as well as finding a way to return them with exquisite accuracy.

Tennis fans around the globe will hope they meet in Paris.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, while this is not a now-or-never moment, Nishikori is coming into the prime of his career, and he'll need to take full advantage of his time while he can.

Having recently lost to David Ferrer in Acapulco, Mexico, it wouldn't be surprising for Nishikori to use the Spaniard's story as a telling lesson for his own gain. 

As reported by Wimbledon's official site, Ferrer is close to becoming the most decorated player to never win a Grand Slam. If Kei intends to break the mould and discard his potential future as a nearly-ran, he'll need to work above and beyond his comfort levels to bash down the hierarchical doors that have seen him barred for so long.

In short, the din outside the entrance needs to stop—it's time we saw Nishikori tear down the whole structure and finally make an entrance.