Nishikori 'better than Djokovic', claims mentor

Japan's Kei Nishikori has the ability to reach the summit of men's tennis and is technically already better than world No 1 Novak Djokovic, according to his former mentor.

Shuzo Matsuoka said on Tuesday it was "only a matter of time" before Nishikori, who broke into the top five last season, captured his first Grand Slam title.

"Kei is hitting the ball harder and controlling opponents more than last year," Matsuoka said in an interview.