Coach Michael Chang: Kei Nishikori can beat Novak Djokovic

Former French Open champion Michael Chang said Kei Nishikori can beat Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals. Chang became Nishikori's coach last December and said the 24-year-old has a realistic chance at beating the No. 1 ranked player in the world.

Former French Open champion Michael Chang is confident Kei Nishikori can beat Novak Djokovic in the U.S. Open semifinals, Chang told the New York Post.

Chang became Nishikori's coach last December and said the 24-year-old has a realistic chance at beating the No. 1-ranked player in the world.

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”Absolutely,’’ Chang told The Post when asked if there’s advice he can give to upset Djokovic. “He’s beaten Novak before. There’s no reason why he’s not able to do it again. He’s having another day to prepare. Come Saturday, I think it’s going to be a great match.’’

Nishikori defeated Djokovic in the semifinals of the Swiss Indoors Basel in 2011, avenging a 2010 loss in the French Open. He entered the U.S. Open as the No. 11-ranked player in the world.

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Nishikori won five-set matches against Milos Raonic and Stan Wawrinka to reach the semifinals. Djokovic beat Andy Murray in the quarterfinals.

The men's semifinals will be played Saturday. Roger Federer plays Marin Cilic in the other semifinal.

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- Paul Palladino