Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori reveals he is drawing inspiration ahead of his long-awaited return from a long injury break. Nishikori, 32, hasn’t played any events this year after undergoing a hip surgery in January. Returning from a long injury break in thirties usually doesn’t go well, but Nishikori is hoping he can beat the odds and enjoy success when he starts playing again.
“He has been sidelined several times by different kinds of injuries, but he still won the French Open and made semis at Wimby, that’s amazing, I’m really encouraged by that though he is at different level (from me), his effort gives me motivation,” Nishikori told Wowowtennis.
Kei on #Nadal “he has been sidelined several times by different kinds of injuries, but he still won French and made semis at Wimby, that’s amazing, I’m really encouraged by that though he is at different level (from me), his effort gives me motivation” @wowowtennis pic.twitter.com/QZ03yHXX42 — 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) August 15, 2022
Nishikori felt the surgery was the right to do
After ending his 2021 season a bit prematurely, Nishikori turned his focus on being ready for the start of the 2022 season.
But Nishikori wasn’t making the progress he was hoping for and ultimately he decided to undergo a hip surgery. “(Before the surgery) I was just feeling my way with pain, trying many treatment for three or four months or having a rest, but pain didn’t go away.
If I had not had surgery I’d have got a metal hip like Murray, so I’d say it was severe injury. I was much worried, felt like I’m done without my legs (footwork). Murray was able to hit every ball back, that was his strength, but (after surgery) he lost that a bit, I’m afraid a bit it will happen to me,” Nishikori said.
Nishikori was scheduled to return to action at the start of the North American hard court. Unfortunately, Nishikori was forced to already withdraw from several hard-court events this summer. Most recently, Nishikori returned his main draw wildcard to the Winston-Salem organizers. Nishikori is still on the US Open entry list and there is a chance he competes at Flushing Meadows later this month.
