Nishikori hopes to fill void left by Na's retirement in Asian tennis

Japan's Kei Nishikori has reportedly put up his hand to fill the void left by China's Li Na's retirement in the Asian tennis.

With Na's departure, Nishikori is now Asia's top player, having reached a career high ranking of eight after his fairytale run at Flushing Meadows. The Japanese ace said that he was shocked, adding that it is sad that he cannot see her play anymore.

Nishikori said that he feels Na and some other Chinese ladies have done so many amazing things for Asian tennis, adding that she won grand slams that they have never done before, Sport24 reported.

Nishikori also said that he hopes Na can still be involved in tennis, adding that he also hopes he can be the next one to lead Asian tennis.

Having become the first man from an Asian country to reach a grand slam final, Nishikori would appear a worthy successor to Na, who became the continent's first grand slam title winner with her breakthrough at the 2011 French Open, the report added.