By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday March 21, 2024
On Thursday on the Miami Open Kei Nishikori performed his first aggressive match in eight months – and his first at a Masters 1000 since 2021. Though the previous World No.4 was defeated by Austria’s Sebastian Ofner (6-3, 6-4) in straight units, the 34-year-old confirmed a few of his classic kind, and says he’s completely happy to be again on the comeback path.
Motivation is not going to be an issue on this stage of his comeback from a number of accidents, says former US Open and Miami Open finalist Nishikori.
Nishikori, at present ranked 351, sways he doesn’t know when, however he believes that he can get again into ok kind to compete with the sports activities’ elite.
“Perhaps not right now, however throughout follow I used to be enjoying fairly good tennis, and I used to be completely happy how I used to be enjoying this week,” he mentioned. “Working towards with Ruud, couple prime gamers this week.
“I used to be enjoying fairly good, I’ve to say. I am trying ahead to get my tennis again. Perhaps it isn’t going to be quickly, however I’ll maintain combating.”
The backhand? 🤔
Nonetheless superb, @keinishikori #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/5l1F3PFMY1
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 21, 2024
Prepared for the Clay
Within the upcoming months, Nishikori plans to hit the crimson clay, and he says he received’t drop all the way down to the challenger tour until he struggles to win at tour-level.
Nishikori is 103-47 on clay, and his 68.7 successful proportion on the floor is greater than his document on exhausting court docket (67.4) and grass (61.8).
“Normally I play challengers when I attempt to come again, however I am hoping to play Houston and Barcelona, Madrid, clay court docket season, as a result of I like clay. I’ve a very good document enjoying clay,” he mentioned. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I do know it may be robust area, but when I maintain dropping first spherical, perhaps I’ll put some challengers in, however for now, no.”