Kei Nishikori has been one of the most loved players on the tour in recent years. The former world number 4, Nishikori is a player whose career has always been hampered by injuries. He’s one of the ‘what-could-have-been’ players on the tour, who could’ve achieved so much more if not for the niggling injuries.
In 2021, tennis fans around the world were dissapointed when they heard the news of Nishikori’s injury. The Japanese played his last tournament at Indian Wells in October last year. He was beaten by Dan Evans in the second round.
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After withdrawing from all the tournaments that followed, fans anticipated Nishikori’s return in January this year. However, they will have to wait for some more time as he announced today that he will be out for another 6 months.
Nishikori makes unfortunate announcement
Nishikori announced today that he will be out for another six months. Kei reasoned his decision by explaining about the arthroscopic hip surgery which will take place this week.
Also read- Kei Nishikori Announces Unfortunate News Ahead of Australian Open 2022
His statement reads, “After trying several different rehab options I have decided (together with my medical team) to have arthroscopic hip surgery this week. I will work as hard as I can and the goal is to be back in about 6 months.”
Kei Nishikori announces he will be out roughly six more months after undergoing hip surgery. pic.twitter.com/pn9K48JFs6
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 25, 2022
Nishikori has been afflicted with a number of injuries in recent years, because of which the Japanese player has failed to maintain his peak form.
Kei Nishikori on tour
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Nishikori achieved a milestone in 2014 when he became the first Asian to reach a Grand Slam final. He reached the 2014 US Open final where he was beaten by Marin Cilic in straight sets. However, he managed to win 4 titles in 2014, making it the most successful year of his career.
Nishikori has seen a downward trend in his performances since 2019. After reaching the quarter-finals of Wimbledon 2019, the player has witnessed a sudden dip in his game with a number of early round exits in the following years.
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We hope that Kei can return from this latest setback as soon as possible and perform again at the levels he’s capable of.