New teenage tennis sensation Kei Nishikori is proving to be an inspiration in Japan where the men's game has long been overshadowed by the triumphs of its women, and big things are expected of him.

The 18-year-old became only the second Japanese man to win an ATP title at Delray Beach last month, following in the footsteps of Shuzo Matsuoka, who won the only other title at the Korean Open in April 1992.

"I was surprised," Matsuoka said of Nishikori's victory.

"But I knew he was strong enough to do it. I expect him to enter the top 10 or win the Grand Slam title someday. I hope he will open the way for Japanese men's tennis."

But it's not only men who are hailing Nishikori.

Aiko Nakamura, who at 24 is one of Japan's most promising players, said that Nishikori inspired young women as well.

"He has been a huge inspiration for all of us travelling on the tour and other aspiring players," said Nakamura, who reached her first career WTA final at the 2006 Japan Open.

"A lot of hard work has gone into building up the game at the grassroots level and now the results have started showing in both the men's and women's competitions."

Nishikori was identified as a prodigy at a young age.

A foundation established by Japan Tennis Association president Masaaki Morita sent him to Florida where he started training at the renowned Nick Bollettieri Academy at 13.

His victory at Delray Beach, where he beat America's James Blake in the final and which brought him up to 131st in the world from 244th, was only his sixth tournament on the tour since his debut at the Japan Open in October.

He will now make his Davis Cup debut against India in April.

"I've been dreaming of representing Japan since my childhood days. I hope children will start playing tennis by watching me playing for Japan. It's a great honour that I been given a chance to play for Japan," Nishikori said.

When the tie goes ahead on 11-13 April in New Delhi, Nishikori will become the youngest Japanese to play in the Davis Cup at 18 years three months 13 days.

Ai Sugiyama, the former women world doubles number one, thinks Nishikori will have more success in the future.

"Kei is terrific. I mentioned him when he won the French Open junior doubles title before, and now he finally made it," she said.

"He has powerful strokes and he hits really well. He moves his opponent from side to side to win a point. His tennis is really fascinating. I'm really looking forward to his further success."