It’s arduous to not recognize Kei Nishikori. The Japanese star has spent most of his profession battling in opposition to a lot larger opponents and regardless of his 5’10” body, received his share of battles in opposition to many who’ve had dimension and energy benefits. But, Nishikori has received 12 ATP titles, reached world no. 4, performed within the US Open last, and has been a a number of quarterfinalist on the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Nishikori is a famous person in his native Japan, handled very like a rock star.
Now, at 33 years of age, he’s making an attempt a comeback after a 20-month absence because of hip surgical procedure together with different accidents. In June, Nishikori returned to the Challengers on the 2023 Caribbean Open. He went on to win the event and at last appeared like he was able to make some floor in his comeback. He performed Challengers in Bloomfield Hills and Chicago earlier than taking part in the Atlanta ATP 250 occasion. After successful a few matches there, world no. 9 Taylor Fritz ended his run.
Credit score: Kyodo
At present, Nishikori was pressured to withdraw from the Mubadala Citi DC Open because of a knee harm. ”I used to be having knee ache left from final week and it acquired a bit bit worse after [my] first match final week,” he mentioned. “I used to be attempting to play a pair extra matches. It was okay, however hurting extra, increasingly more. So I attempted to play immediately, however I used to be not ok to play. So sadly, I’ve to withdraw.”
How this impacts the stability of his summer season resulting in the US Open, is unknown at this level however he made it clear he hopes to play sooner relatively than later, “that is what it’s, and I’ve acquired to maintain climbing as a result of I simply began taking part in once more and I do know my physique is just not 100 % robust sufficient to play many matches. I believe these items occur [the] first couple months [back], however large tournaments are developing. So, I’ll attempt to be prepared for that.”
In an age the place gamers are competing nicely into their late 30s, he nonetheless has time. However how a lot put on and tear has the undersized star sustained grinding it out over time? His comeback is younger, however he has proven indicators that he may nonetheless have one thing left within the tank if he can work himself again into the high- degree of match form many have grown accustomed to seeing throughout his profession.