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 type, and says he’s completely satisfied 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, presently 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.
“Perhaps not in the present day, however throughout observe I used to be taking part in fairly good tennis, and I used to be completely satisfied how I used to be taking part in this week,” he mentioned. “Training with Ruud, couple high 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. Perhaps it isn’t going to be quickly, however I’ll hold preventing.”
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 pink clay, and he says he received’t drop right down to the challenger tour except 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 arduous 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 great document taking part in clay,” he mentioned. “So I hope I can play good couple matches there, Houston, Barcelona. I do know it’ll be robust subject, but when I hold dropping first spherical, perhaps I’ll put some challengers in, however for now, no.”
