Nishikori predicts Wimbledon 'war' with Djokovic

Kei Nishikori became the first Japanese man in 23 years to reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals and then predicted a "war" with Novak Djokovic to get to the last four.

Nishikori, 28, overcame an arm injury to reach his first All England Club quarter-final with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (12/10), 6-1 win over Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis.

But having become the first Japanese man to reach the quarter-finals since Shuzo Matsuoka in 1995, Nishikori must now overturn a 13-2 career losing record against three-time champion Djokovic on Wednesday.

"He's always like a big war for me. I always enjoy playing against him. It's always big challenge," said Nishikori.

The Japanese player has already lost twice to the former world number one this year -- on clay in Madrid and Rome.

Although the two have never met on grass, Nishikori is still hamstrung by the knowledge that the last of his two wins against the Serb was in 2014 in a memorable semi-final victory at the US Open.

"Maybe I don't have good results or good record with him, but I always enjoy playing him.

"He's one of the best players on the tour."
"I haven't spent too much time on the court. I feel physically, mentally ready, fit, positive."