Japan’s Kei Nishikori believes he has returned back to his top form following his recent run to the semi-finals of the US Open.
The world No.12 scored wins over Gael Monfils, Diego Schwartzman and Marin Cilic on route to the last four of the New York major. Achieving his best run at a grand slam since the same tournament back in 2016. Nishikori endured a testing start to this season after returning from a five-month break from the sport due to a wrist injury. Since then, he has won 33 out of 48 matches played so far this season.
“It’s been good. Especially at the US Open where I had a good two weeks playing great tennis again. I feel like I am playing at my best again.” Nishikori told reporters in France about his recovery.
“I’m excited to be playing like this and hopefully I can keep going and end this year strong.”
Nishikori’s next test will be at this week’s Moselle Open in France. Nishikori is the top seed in the draw and will be bidding to become the first Asian player to win the title since Ramesh Krishnan in 1984. He is one of three top 20 players in this year’s field alongside Stefanos Tsitsipas and Lucas Pouille.
“Hopefully I can win the tournament. I am excited here to play my first tournament in Moselle.” Said Nishikori.
“I’m here to win the tournament. I think it’s going to be tough. Many good french players are playing and it is never going to be easy. Hopefully I can have a good week.”
So far in his career, the 28-year-old has won 11 titles on the ATP Tour. Although only two of them have been in Europe on clay at the Barcelona Open in 2014 and 2015. He is yet to contest the final of an ATP tournament held in France.
Praise for Tsonga
Granted a bye in the first round, Nishikori could start his campaign against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is set to play in his first tournament since February. Tsonga, who will play Peter Gojowczyk in the first round, has been sidelined from action due to an knee injury that required surgery. The Frenchman is a three-time winner of the Moselle Open.
“I’m really happy to see Jo in the draw because it has been a long time. I think we have all missed him.” Said Nishikori. “I love his tennis and he’s a great person too.”
Should they meet, it will be the ninth time they have done so on the ATP World Tour. Nishikori leads Tsonga 5-3 in their head-to-head with their last clash occurring at the 2016 Paris Open.
“I hope he (Tsonga) plays well here too. If we play against each other I hope that I will enjoy the match.” The Japanese No.1 explained.
“I think Jo is really tough, but I will do whatever I can do.”
This week Nishikori is seeking his first title on the ATP Tour since the 2016 Memphis Open.
