London, July 14:
Shintaro Mochizuki made history on Sunday becoming the first Japanese player to win a boy’s Grand Slam title, beating Carlos Gimeno Valero of Spain 6-3, 6-2 in the Wimbledon final.
The 16-year-old, who was playing just his third grass court tournament, follows 1969 girls singles title winner Kazuko Sawamatsu in triumphing at the grass court Grand Slam.
Mochizuki said he had learned a lot from his compatriot, 2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori.
“He’s really nice,” said Mochizuki. “He gives me a lot of advice.
“Like sometimes I practice with him. I learn from him a lot. Yeah, he’s smart.” Nishikori, nine times a Grand Slam quarter-finalist, took to Twitter almost immediately to fete his compatriot.
“Huge congrats to @ShintaroMOCHIZU! Such an amazing tournament,” tweeted the Japanese star, adding a thumbs up icon, a flexed bicep icon and several Japanese flags. However, it is not 29-year-old Nishikori who is his idol. (Agencies)
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