Kei Nishikori is satisfied with his current level as he aims to build more momentum in the Phoenix Challenger.
It’s has been a resurgent last year for Kei Nishikori as he has built his ranking up from outside the world’s top 500 to inside the world’s top 100.
The former US Open finalist has had a consistent amount of success on the Challenger tour as well as reaching quarter-finals at ATP 250 and ATP 500 level.
Now Nishikori is aiming form more success this year as he feels happy and confident in his game after a mixed start to the year, “Starting from end of last year, I think I’ve been playing well,” Nishikori exclusively told the ATP website.
“I won a Challenger and started feeling more confident and started playing more solid. I thought I had a good start to the year, but I kind of struggled in Dallas and in Delray, I didn’t play well. I kind of lost all my confidence, but I had a good practice the last two weeks and coming into Indian Wells, I had a good match playing well again.
“I’m happy with my level right now and at the same time I have to be healthy and feel good to be on Tour.”
The 35 year-old will hope to continue his momentum when he takes on the stacked field at the Phoenix Challenger this week.
Also competing in Arizona is top seed and defending champion Nuno Borges, Jan-Lennard Struff, Alexander Bublik and Joao Fonseca.
Nishikori will take on sixth seed Luca Nardi in his opening round match.
