Kei Nishikori at “80 percent” ahead of Australian Open return

Injury-ravaged Kei Nishikori expressed optimism on Thursday as he looked forward to his first Australian Open tennis action in four years. He described himself as fit and more relaxed with play back at “80 percent”.

“Since I got a feel for my game last summer, I've been getting better and better. I'm back to 80 percent,” he told reporters at Melbourne Park ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season, where the 35-year-old former world champion No. 4 is released for the first time since 2021.

“It feels like I'm in a location that I know and love. I don't feel any pain, so regardless of who I play against, I think I can give him a tough match.”

Kei Nishikori of Japan gives an interview in Melbourne on January 9, 2025, before competing in men's singles for the first time in four years at the upcoming Australian Open tennis tournament. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

He is currently ranked 74th in the world after reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open on Sunday at 106th. Nishikori said his goal this year was to play a little better and be mentally stronger.

“If I can rid myself of those moments in the middle of matches where I lose confidence and fall apart, I can be in a completely different world, among players who are in the top 50 or 30,” he said. “But mentally I'm in a good place right now.”

Since undergoing hip surgery in January 2022, Nishikori has faced one fitness challenge after another, including right ankle and left knee issues. He returned to the tour last year while still dealing with pain in his right shoulder.

“It was difficult. I couldn't serve hard and had to make up for that with my stroke play,” he said. “But now I'm in a place where I can concentrate on my tennis.”

Nishikori said the scene on tour has changed during his extended absence due to injuries.

“We have new players coming in and it feels like I'm starting all over again,” he said. “That's a challenge, but one I'm looking forward to. The game is also changing and I have to adapt.”

Nishikori said his attitude has also changed from the one he held long after turning pro as a teenager.

“I used to take competitions much more seriously,” he said. “But I have mellowed out a lot and I can see life as something you can do at a relaxed pace.”

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Related coverage:

Tennis: Big-hitting Rei Sakamoto lives up to billing as a top prospect

Tennis: Nishikori and the injured Osaka fall short in the tournament final

Tennis: Nishikori reaches the final of the Hong Kong Open as Shang withdraws

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