After overcoming a troublesome wrist injury, Japanese No.1 Kei Nishikori is setting his goals high going into the US Open series.
Nishikori, 28, is gradually climbing up the ATP rankings following his five-month injury lay-off that occurred between 2017-2018. Since returning back to action in January, he has won one Challenger title and reached the final of the Monte Carlo Masters. At Wimbledon he became the first male player from his country to reach the quarter-finals since 1995.
“After coming back from injury, I’m enjoying the challenge this year,” Nishikori told reporters in Washington on Monday. “I feel like I’m going to be tough again. My wrist is OK now. I’m going to try and get into the top 10 again. That’s my goal and motivation.”
The next challenge for Nishikori will be the Citi Open. A tournament he won back in 2015. America has been a country that has brought success to Nishikori in the past. Six out of his nine ATP hard court titles have occurred in the country. It was also at the US Open where Nishikori reached his first and so far only grand slam final back in 2014.
There are still occasions where the wrist starts to play up, but fortunately that is becoming more rare. Allowing the world No.20 to gain in both momentum and confidence on the tour. Illustrated by a win-loss of 25-11 so far this season.
“(I’m) feeling great again. Had a couple days off after Wimbledon and started working again,” Nishikori said. “I’m trying to keep my intensity up. I got a little confidence going to the final at Monte Carlo.
“Still, I feel it sometimes, but most of the time I’m feeling great. Now I’m enjoying playing tennis again.”
Seeded seventh in Washington, Nishikori opens up against either Donald Young or three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka. Wawrinka has also been blighted by injury in recent months due to his knee and is currently ranked 198th in the world.
Another Japanese player breakthrough
Nishikori isn’t the only player his country will be focusing on at the Citi Open. 20-year-old Yosuke Watanuki has come through qualifying to reach his first main draw on the ATP World Tour. Defeating Australia’s Jason Kubler, who was the top seed in the qualifying draw, in the process.
“He’s one of the most talented players from Japan.” Nishikori said of Watanuki.
“He has a great forehand, maybe better than me.”
“I hope he does well. He’s playing great enough to be top 100. Hopefully he makes a big jump this summer.”
Watanuki has won five Futures titles so far in his career. This season he has reached the semi-finals of challenger events in Loughborough, England and Busan, South Korea. During his junior years, he peaked at No.2 in the world.
Unlike his 20-year-old compatriot, Nishikori knows what it is like to be in his country’s spotlight. He is currently the Asian No.1 player ahead of Hyeon Chung. According to Forbes magazine, he is the 35th highest paid athlete in the world with $33.1 million in endorsements alone.
“I’m very honoured to be the No. 1 Asian and Japan player,” Nishikori said. “I don’t feel any pressure from being No. 1 in Asia. My goal is to be No. 1 in the world.”
Nishikori will find out who he plays at the Citi Open on Tuesday evening (Washington time) when Wawrinka takes on Young in their first round match.
