Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has outlined his planned return to the tour by confirming his participation in the Sydney International.
The 27-year-old hasn’t played since August after sustaining a wrist injury. Joining the likes of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka, who has all ended their seasons early due to injury. Nishikori was ranked as high as fifth in the world at the start of 2017, but has fallen down to 22nd due to his absence.
Hoping to stage a successful comeback, Nishikori is set to be one of the headline acts at the ATP 250 event in Sydney. In the draw he will be joined by defending champion Gilles Muller and Fernando Verdasco.
“This will be my first time playing in Sydney and I am very much looking forward to it,” said Nishikori.
“I have heard great things about the tournament and think it will be the perfect place to prepare for the Australian Open.”
Sydney will not be Nishikori’s first event of the new year. He is also on the entry list for the Brisbane International, which takes place during the first week of January. Nishikori was runner-up to Grigor Dimitrov at the 2017 edition of the tournament.
Speaking to reporters in Japan, the world No.22 explained that his break from the sport has also had it’s benefits. Saying that he has been able to learn new training methods. Nishikori opted to undergo rehabilitation instead of surgery on his wrist.
“There was a lot of good that came from this experience. If it weren’t for the injury, I wouldn’t have undergone a rehab period in Europe,” Nishikori said.
“I wouldn’t have met the physical trainer who introduced me to a conditioning method that was new to me. I feel like it could change my body.”
Looking ahead to the future, the Japanese No.1 is relishing the challenge. He will be one of a series of players looking to derail Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer from the top when they return back to action.
“I know I’m getting tougher, so I’m actually looking forward to the challenge,” he added. “With Federer and Nadal back and younger players raising their game, the level of play has risen.
“I know I’ve been away from competition for about six months because of my injury, but I hope to make it back into the top five. I know I can.”
So far in his career, Nishikori has won 11 ATP titles and reached a high of fourth in the ATP Emirates rankings.
