MADRID: Former US Open runner-up Kei Nishikori has admitted that his wrist is still not ‘100%’ after his loss at the Madrid Open.
The Japanese No.1 was edged out by Novak Djokovic in two tightly contested sets in the first round on Monday. Hitting 21 winners to 26 unforced errors on the Manolo Santana stadium. It was Nishikori’s first test since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open with a right wrist problem. An issue that has troubled him in recent months and continues to do so.
“I am fit again. Well, my wrist is not 100% yet, but close to playing enough tennis. I think I need a couple more weeks to get used to playing on clay.” Said Nishikori.
“But it’s not too bad. I recover from last week.” He added.
There are promising signs from Nishikori, who dropped down to as low as 39th in the world earlier this year. At the Monte Carlo Masters he reached the final before losing to Rafael Nadal. That was the first time he has contested a clay-court final of a Masters 1000 event since the 2014 Madrid Open. Meanwhile, his latest performance in Madrid was one that drew praise from Djokovic.
“I’ve played Kei on big occasions, in many of the big tournaments, finals and semifinals. It was different to play him in the first round. It was a big test for both of us.” Said the 12-time grand slam champion.
“I’m glad that match went my way, but it could have gone his way as well. It was a very few points that really decided a winner today.”
Heading into the French Open, confidence is the key factor for the 28-year-old. His next challenge occurs at the Italian Open in Rome. A tournament he remains optimistic about despite potentially being unseeded in the draw. Nishikori reached the semi-finals of the event back in 2016.
“I played good tennis in Monte-Carlo. Well, didn’t quite play well today. But, you know, I like to play on clay.” He explained. “It’s very fun. I think it’s important to do well, get more points and confidence in these two tournaments coming up. Hopefully I will do well.”
Nishikori is currently ranked 20th in the world. His win-loss to date stands at 14-7.
