He was the world number four in 2015, after making history as the first Asian to reach the Grand Slam final, at the 2014 US Open An idol in Japan, his country, he formed an unforgettable professional couple with former player of America and now coach Michael Chang. It became a solid top-10 opener, conquering territories like Godó, a tournament it won twice.
however, Kei Nishikori He was treated harshly for his injuries. It all started with a hip problem, he was out for eighteen months between 2021 and 2023, having to visit the operating room. His reappearance was also delayed by a new physical problem, this time with his ankle.
In the midst of trying to resume tennis, another setback. Seven months out due to knee injury.
Nishikori, 35 years old and world number 74, teamed up with a former Australian Open champion, the Swede Thomas Johanssonwhich reigned in Melbourne in 2002, showing its resilience. He is one of those rivals who does not give up the ball, a headache for the title favorites.
The Japanese opened the 2025 season with the prospect of a presence in the Hong Kong ATP final. Although he was close to not continuing this success at the Australian Open. He was two feet away at Melbourne Park, but Kei Nishikori gave another lesson in resilience.
Two match points saved in the third set to survive the Brazilian left-hander Thiago Monteiro, which he defeated 4-6, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-2 and 6-3, overcoming four hours of physical and emotional torture.
“In the end he’s dead,” Nishikori admitted. “I would have left it at one of the match points,” he noted. But he outdid himself, his return to the Open after three forced absences was not in vain.
And he improved his record in matches that reached the fifth set, with a favorable balance of 29-8. There is no one like him who holds painful resolutions. Nishikori-like gesture, who keeps fighting to become a tennis player. And the good ones.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
