Kei Nishikori is making a much-anticipated comeback to the ATP Tour, and the former US Open finalist has his sights set on a thrilling showdown with world no. 1 Carlos Alcaraz. Nishikori admits he’s gunning for a meeting with Alcaraz as he returns to professional tennis after a nearly two-year hiatus due to hip surgery.
The former world No. 4, who once challenged tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer in the biggest tournaments, is currently ranked World No. 439 as he continues his comeback. He has made a spectacular return on the ATP tour, winning his first match against Australia’s Jordon Thompson, the World No. 63 at Atlanta Open.
Kei Nishikori comeback inspired by Nadal & Djokovic:
“It was tough to maintain the motivation, but I just wanted to play tennis again. Especially watching Djokovic & Rafa still playing, fighting. & I haven’t played against Alcaraz, Rune. I can’t wait to play them” pic.twitter.com/IG7tqQzR3H
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 25, 2023
He says, “And especially watching Djokovic, Rafa still playing, fighting. And I haven’t played against [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Holger] Rune. That’s something I also can’t wait to play against them.”
He had earlier spoken about playing Carlos in his comeback bid, “Among young players, Carlos Alcaraz is the player who I want to play; I want to feel his shot, I’m curious about how much I’m blown by his shot.”
Kei Nishikori has a wealth of experience in facing and defeating the sport’s greatest champions, something that Carlos Alcaraz will be well aware of if they do meet on the tennis court.
Lesser-known facts about Kei Nishikori
Born on December 29, 1989, in Matsue, Japan, he showed early promise, picking up a tennis racket at the tender age of five and later becoming a tennis sensation in Japan. Nishikori’s talent blossomed, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already making waves in the junior tennis circuit. At 14, he made a pivotal decision to move to Bradenton, Florida, and join the prestigious IMG Academy to further polish his skills.
Under iconic coach Nick Bollettieri’s (and later Michael Chang’s) guidance, Nishikori’s rise to prominence was swift. He shattered records by becoming the second male Japanese player ever to break into the top 5 in singles, an unprecedented achievement in the Open Era. He achieved his career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in 2015. He had won against all three Big 3 legends in his storied career.
Throughout his journey, he clinched an impressive tally of 12 singles titles. Notably, in 2014, he became the first man from an Asian country to reach a Major singles final, finishing as a runner-up at the US Open.
The remarkable journey continued when in 2016 he won the first medal in tennis for his country in the Olympics – a bronze medal. In December 2020, he tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Mai Yamauchi.
How he became the highest-paid athlete in 2020?
The Japanese tennis prodigy found himself at the center of marketing endeavors revolving around the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He forged lucrative endorsement partnerships with renowned brands like Asahi, NTT, Japan Airlines, and Procter & Gamble, who were the official Olympics partners as well.
Nishikori’s star power extended far beyond the tennis courts. He became the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020, earning an impressive $32.1 million at 33 years of age, from prize money and endorsements.
Kei Nishikori’s journey from a young prodigy to an international tennis star showcases his unwavering dedication and talent, despite facing multiple injury scares in his career.