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. Despite the fact that 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 joyful to be again on the comeback path.
Motivation won’t 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 in the present day, however throughout follow I used to be taking part in fairly good tennis, and I used to be joyful how I used to be taking part in this week,” he mentioned. “Working towards 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 is not going to be quickly, however I’ll hold combating.”
The backhand? 🤔
Nonetheless wonderful, @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 purple clay, and he says he received’t drop all the way 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 greater than his file on exhausting 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 file taking part in clay,” he mentioned. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I do know it will be robust area, but when I hold shedding first spherical, possibly I’ll put some challengers in, however for now, no.”
#Nishikori #Comeback #Begins #Loss #Excessive #Hopes