he was the best tennis player in Japan. And Roger Federer. Still now, even though I love to see him play I think he is really the champion of tennis history. ` Project 45 ' Nishikori's rise saw a swell of optimism that he could be a pioneer for tennis, hence the Project 45hype as he edged towards usurping Matsuoka's ranking. Project 45 was no pressure for me -- I was just playing tennis for my hobby, he said. My first goal after turning pro was to get into the top 100 and after to be 45. It was one of my goals to be number one tennis player in Japan, and now I am ranked No. 11 in the world. To get to the top 10 is my next goal. It's not going to be easy to get there -- hopefully this year -- but I am getting close. Rock star status Like Matsuoka, Nishikori has come to understand what being Japan's sole representative inside the top 120 means -- fame and adoration. Much like Andy Murray who has had to carry the hopes of the United Kingdom on his shoulders, Nishikori has the same weight of responsibility, but answers to double the amount of people. I go back to Japan about three or four times a year, he explained. I get to go back to my home town and, yes, people do recognize me on the streets. It's not easy sometimes; you do n't get to relax but at the same time I still try to enjoy the moment. Not many people can feel that way -- I love to stay in Japan, I really enjoy