Former doubles world number one Max Mirnyi will join Kei Nishikori’s team for the 2020 season according to the Japanese star.
The former US Open finalist has decided to hire the multiple-time doubles grand slam champion after splitting up with Dante Bottini after nine years although Michael Chang will remain at the big tournaments.
Speaking to the Japanese Times, Nishikori seemed pleased at hiring Mirnyi for next season, “His playing style is a little like mine, He’s extremely serious and direct.”
This will be Mirnyi’s first coaching job on the ATP Tour since retiring towards the end of last year after a 22 year playing career, which included ten doubles grand slams and an Olympic Gold medal.
As for Nishikori, he hasn’t played since his third round defeat to Alex De Minaur at the US Open after having a surgical procedure on his right elbow.
Recovery for the Japanese star is going well and aims to return at the Australian Open in January, “If I don’t panic, I feel I’ll be fit in time for the Australian Open.”
The Australian Open will start on the 20th of January, with Nishikori reaching four quarter-finals in the past but failing to reach beyond that point so far.
