Kei Nishikori has said that he is disappointed with his exit from the US Open.
The fourth seed, who reached last year's final, was dumped out in the first round by Frenchman Benoit Paire.
"It's always very sad to lose in the first round, but I think he was playing good tennis so I don't think I played bad," BBC Sport quotes Nishikori as saying.
"I didn't play great, but still, it's never easy first match. He's a good player."
Nishikori is currently ranked fourth in the world rankings.