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Kei Nishikori reveals 'motivation' for returning to the ATP tour

Originally posted on Tennisbuzz | By Matthew Johns | Last updated 7/25/23

Kei Nishikori has reflected on his journey back to fitness, as he plays his first ATP tour event in 21 months.

Nishikori last played an ATP match against Dan Evans at Indian Wells in 2021, and has since undergone hip surgery.

The former No.4 had planned to return last year, but an ankle issue saw his comeback delayed and he fell off the ATP rankings entirely.

Nishikori revealed that he had considered retiring from tennis, but is now back and looking to make inroads once again.

“It was tough to maintain the motivation, but I just wanted to play tennis again and compete again,” explained Nishikori.

He continued, “And especially watching [Novak] Djokovic, Rafa [Nadal] 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.”

The Japanese star returned to competitive action at the ATP Challenger event in Palmas Del Mar, Puerto Rico, last month and to even his surprise stormed to the title.

“I couldn’t believe I played as well as I played today…I felt like I could compete on the tour again,” said Nishikori.

The 33-year-old has since played at two other ATP Challenger events, Bloomfield Hills and Chicago, but could not recreate that success.

Nishikori is currently competing in his first round match at the ATP 250 hard court event in Atlanta against No.63 Jordan Thompson.

The 2014 US Open finalist will be hoping for a deep run at the event to get the match practice he desires.

“I just need to play more matches,” revealed Nishikori. “I think I just need to play with those top-50 players again. I just need to get used to playing with those guys and get confidence again. Overall I'm really happy with how I'm playing. I just need to focus and recover well.”

Following competing in Atlanta, Nishikori is set to head to Washington DC before returning to the US Open where he made his best ever Grand Slam result nine years ago.

With his new found motivation, Nishikori believes he can play for “five or six more years at best”.

This article first appeared on Tennisbuzz and was syndicated with permission.

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