Kei Nishikori was a consistent performer on the ATP Tour. He had a memorable 2014 season, reaching the finals of the US Open. Although he lost the summit clash against Marin Cilic, he defeated the likes of Novak Djokovic and Stanislas Wawrinka en route to the finals.
Of late, the Japanese tennis star has been out of action owing to a hip injury. He last played at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in October last year. Earlier this year, he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip to repair the damage done. However, the 32-year-old has some good news, recently.
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Kei Nishikori signs an affiliation contract with Uniqlo
The former world number four has extended his partnership with Uniqlo. Talking about this, Nishikori said, “I would like to continue to aim for even higher levels with UNIQLO, which I have been working with for the past 11 years.”
「この11年間、共に歩んできたユニクロと、この先もさらなる高みを目指していきたいと思っています」
錦織圭選手がユニクロと所属契約を結びました🤝
これから一緒に夢や希望、感動を与えていきましょう！
Looking forward to achieving greater things together!@keinishikori pic.twitter.com/t1CccTJcCf— UNIQLO_Ambassadors (@UQAmbassadors) June 9, 2022
Earlier, the Japanese star was present at the IMG Tennis Academy, where he trained ahead of his potential comeback later this year. The 32-year-old looked in good touch, doing light movements when trying to make forehand and backhand returns.
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Nishikori’s injury nightmares
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Kei Nishikori has been prone to injuries in recent years. Before his hip injury last year, the former US Open finalist suffered from an elbow injury that forced him to miss a majority of the 2020 season.
Talking about his injury, Nishikori said, “Last year, I put up with pain and kept playing, but the pain was getting worse as I played more matches. I couldn’t focus on playing, the pain more occupied my thoughts than what happened on the previous point. When I picked up a racquet for the first time after my surgery, I felt really scared. I’m forgetful, so I was like, ‘how did I hold a racket?’ I’ve started wanting to get stronger more and more, and I had to change my playing style for that.”
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Nishikori will be hoping to get back fit in time for the US Open later this year, a tournament where he has had good results in the past.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Essentially Sports
