High ranking sits uncomfortably on Nishikori's shoulders

Kei Nishikori of Japan changes his shirt during his men's singles third round match against Steve Johnson of the U.S. at the Australian Open 2015 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 24, 2015. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - A break-out 2014 season and a career-high ranking of five has added extra weight to Kei Nishikori's shoulders, with the U.S. Open finalist already bearing the burden of huge expectations in his home country Japan.

Nishikori became the first man from an Asian country to reach a grand slam final at Flushing Meadows and though the 25-year-old wears the distinction with pride, he also feels the pressure to take the extra step.