In a breakout season, Japan’s Kei Nishikori became the first Asian-born man to reach a Grand Slam final, losing to Marin Cilic of Croatia in the US Open this year.

He has won a career high four titles and 54 matches (54-12) and will end the season no lower than number 5. Described as an “offensive baseline player” Kei is known for his speed and footwork and has developed a style of taking the ball early and gaining control of the point immediately on both serve and return.

Yesterday he advanced to the knockout semi final phase of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 in London in his debut year. He takes on Novak Djokovic today for a place in the final, and will be happy to repeat his US Open semi final win over the world number one.

Kei signed my sketch at the O2 pier as the players left for the ATP World Tour Finals Launch gala last Friday evening.