Kei Nishikori news: Former world No 4 on when he’s returning to the court

Tennis News
Kei Nishikori pointing

Kei Nishikori hasn’t been seen on court since October last year due to an ongoing hip problem and has since undergone surgery similar to the procedure Andy Murray had, but now he’s given an update on when fans can expect to make his return.

In January when the former world No 4 announced he was having surgery to help his injury woes he said he’d be out for about six months, however it’ll be more like autumn when he next plays competitively.

This means he could return just in time for the US Open, but the Japanese player has another tournament in mind that he’d like to be back in contention for.

“If all goes well, I might be able to play the US Open this year,” the 32-year-old said.

“I’m trying to be ready in time for the Rakuten Japan Open in October if it is held this year.

“I don’t think I have ten more years in my tennis career, so I want to live each day to the fullest.”

Nishikori hasn’t had the most luck in his career when it comes to injuries because this isn’t the first time he’s been out for a long while.

In 2017 he suffered a serious wrist injury and it was that bad it forced him to change his style of play by changing his serve and forehand movements.

And then just two years later he had to end his season early as a result of problems after his elbow surgery.

But despite all his injuries, Nishikori is still determined to return to the sport and compete at the highest level once again, however he’s being realistic in his goals and knows he doesn’t have many more competitions in him before he hangs up his racket for good.

The Japan Open kicks off from October 3, while the US Open gets underway from August 29.

Kei Nishikori

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