Nishikori Comeback Begins With a Loss, and Excessive 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. Even although 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 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 present ranked 351, sways he doesn’t know when, however he believes that he can get again into adequate kind to compete with the sports’ elite.

“Maybe not today, but during practice I was playing pretty good tennis, and I was happy how I was playing this week,” he mentioned. “Practicing with Ruud, couple top players this week.

“I was playing pretty good, I have to say. I’m looking forward to get my tennis back. Maybe it’s not going to be soon, but I will keep fighting.”

The backhand? 🤔

Still superb, @keinishikori #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/5l1F3PFMY1

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) March 21, 2024

Ready for the Clay

In the upcoming months, Nishikori plans to hit the purple clay, and he says he gained’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 profitable proportion on the floor is increased than his document on onerous courtroom (67.4) and grass (61.8).

“Usually I play challengers when I try to come back, but I’m hoping to play Houston and Barcelona, Madrid, clay court season, because I like clay. I have a good record playing clay,” he mentioned. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I know it’s going to be tough field, but if I keep losing first round, maybe I will put some challengers in, but for now, no.”