Kei Nishikori wants to return to the ATP Tour in Winston-Salem
Kei Nishikori plans to return to the ATP tour after an injury break of several months at the Winston-Salem ATP 250 event. The Japanese has not played a professional match since October 2021.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Jul 20, 2022, 08:47 pm
At the end of January, a worst-case scenario was assumed, if Kei Nishikori had to stay on the ATP tour for six months due to hip surgery, but now it's certain: it took the Japanese a little longer than planned to get back to get fully fit. Now the former world number four seems to have achieved this status.
Accordingly, the return of the Japanese, who played his last tournament on the ATP tour in Indian Wells last year, is getting closer: As it became known on Wednesday, Nishikori wants to play at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem from August 21st return to the professional circuit. The organizers equipped the Japanese for a wildcard for the hard court event.
Nishikori slips
"Nishikori hasn't been to the region since our first event in 2011 where he reached the round of 16 so this will be a real treat for our fans," tournament director Jeff Ryan is quoted as saying by the Winston-Salem Journal Now. "I'm a particular fan of Kei's fighting spirit and dedication. He's captivating to watch and we're delighted he's accepted a wildcard for this summer."
Kei Nishikori, who reached a Grand Slam final at the US Open, has slipped a lot in the world rankings. The Japanese is currently only ranked 158 in the ATP charts.