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. 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 blissful 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, presently ranked 351, sways he doesn’t know when, however he believes that he can get again into ok kind to compete with the sports activities’ elite.
“Possibly not at this time, however throughout apply I used to be taking part in fairly good tennis, and I used to be blissful how I used to be taking part in this week,” he stated. “Practising with Ruud, couple high gamers this week.
“I used to be taking part in fairly good, I’ve to say. I am wanting ahead to get my tennis again. Possibly it isn’t going to be quickly, however I’ll preserve combating.”
The backhand? 🤔
Nonetheless superb, @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 gained’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 report on laborious court docket (67.4) and grass (61.8).
“Often I play challengers when I attempt to come again, however I am hoping to play Houston and Barcelona, Madrid, clay court docket season, as a result of I like clay. I’ve a superb report taking part in clay,” he stated. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I do know it will be powerful subject, but when I preserve shedding first spherical, perhaps I’ll put some challengers in, however for now, no.”
