Japan smashed a record which had stood for almost half a century at the French Open on Sunday by seeing five men make the first round draw. Not since 1967 has Japan enjoyed such relative riches in Paris with world number five Kei Nishikori leading the way.
However, the stardust of Nishikori wasn't immediately rubbing off on his compatriots as the five quickly became four when veteran Go Soeda was defeated 6-1, 6-0, 6-2 by German 22nd seed Philipp Kohlschreiber in the opening round.
"I think it's great for Asia, not only Japan," said 30-year-old Soeda of Japan's achievement.