Since 2014 Kei Nishikori has been accustomed to spending this week in London, at the Nitto ATP Finals. This year the Japanese star is not in London, having ended his season ahead of the US Open, with his last event a loss to Gael Monfils at the Montreal Masters
There is some good news to end the year for the former World no.4. Currently ranked No.22, Nishikori tweeted a video of a practice.
Great hitting last couple of days. Happy with the progress so far. #HardWork @IMGAcademy. More videos at https://t.co/Wv9PNgfSoY pic.twitter.com/ctksY64Nzv
— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) November 18, 2017
The news that Nishikori is back on court means that fans can be hopeful of seeing the star back at 2018’s first Grand Sam in Melbourne. Members of Nishikori’s team had expressed doubt that the star would be fit in time after his serious wrist injury.
Nishikori’s ranking of No.22 means he could face a tough draw at the Australian Open next year should he play. The popular right-hander also reached the final of the Australian Open warm-up event in Brisbane. He will have to defend points there, having lost to Grigor Dimitrov in a three-set final last year.
Nishikori reached the fourth round last year, but was beaten by a resurgent Roger Federer, who eventually went on to win the title. Nishikori continues to work with former Roland Garros winner Michael Chang, seemingly rejecting the chance to change his coaching team despite other top players including Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka opting to part ways with Ivan Lendl and Magnus Norman respectively.
