2014 US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has revealed as what kept him strong to attempt a comeback after a laying off for almost 2 years (21 months). The Japanese underwent a hip surgery before suffering a series of injury setbacks that caught him one after other.
In his late 30’s now, Nishikori feels he is physically in a better shape and wants to give another go for some wins in his late career in order to close it on his own terms. The Matsue native feels Nadal and Novak are a real inspiration to the players looking for a beacon in the twilight of their career. He admitted that recovery curve seemed insurmountable and left him depressed to eventually call it a day.
“It was tough to maintain the motivation, but I just wanted to play tennis again and compete again,” Nishikori said, according to Eurosport.
“And especially watching [Novak] Djokovic, Rafa [Nadal] still playing, fighting. And I haven’t played against Alcaraz, Rune. That’s something I also can’t wait to play against them.”
Nishikori on his return has just participated in three Challenger competitions and after clinching the title in Palmas del Mar, he was handed a loss by #161 ranked Denis Kudla in the R2 of Bloomfield Hills Open, followed by another one at the hands of Alex Michelsen in the Chicago quarters.
The Japanese is pumped up for the ATP 250 Atlanta Open where he expects to open his campaign against Australian world # 63 Jordan Thompson in the R1.
“I couldn’t believe I played as well as I played today…I felt like I could compete on the tour again,” he said after lifting the title in Palmas del Mar.
If everything remains as per plan, after Atlanta, he plans to travel to Washington to play at ATP 500 Citi Open before eventually returning to the final major of the year in New York. It was at Flushing Meadows where he suffered a hearbreaking loss in the final against Croatian Marin Čilić in his only major final appearance in 2014. US Open 2023 will be Nishikori’s maiden Grand Slam appearance in 2 years if he is able to make it there.
The polite Japanese is eager to test himself against up the ladder players.
“I just need to play more matches,” Nishikori said as he ramped up his return earlier this month.
“I think I just need to play with those top-50 players again.
“I just need to get used to playing with those guys and get confidence again. Overall I’m really happy with how I’m playing. I just need to focus and recover well.”