Nishikori Comeback Starts With a Loss, and High Hopes

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 type, and says he’s completely satisfied 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 the moment ranked 351, sways he doesn’t know when, however he believes that he can get again into adequate type to compete with the sports activities’ elite.

“Possibly not as we speak, however throughout follow I used to be taking part in fairly good tennis, and I used to be completely satisfied how I used to be taking part in this week,” he mentioned. “Training with Ruud, couple prime gamers this week.

“I used to be taking part in fairly good, I’ve to say. I am trying ahead to get my tennis again. Possibly it isn’t going to be quickly, however I’ll preserve preventing.”

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 right 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 increased than his report on laborious courtroom (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 courtroom season, as a result of I like clay. I’ve a very good report taking part in clay,” he mentioned. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I do know it is going to be powerful subject, but when I preserve dropping first spherical, perhaps I’ll put some challengers in, however for now, no.”