NEW YORK—Kei Nishikori got off to a great start at the US Open. The 2014 finalist breezed past Maximilian Marterer, and will have a challenge in Gael Monfils on Thursday night.
The world No. 21 has gone deep into his comeback year, reaching the final of Miami and a slew of quarterfinals, including Wimbledon. He's grateful to be back in New York, after missing last year's fortnight with a wrist injury.
"[I missed] playing matches, competing. That's what I missed whole six months last year," Nishikori told Baseline at a Wilson racquet launch ahead of the US Open. "I think I'm more enjoying tennis right now. It's a challenge but I'm enjoying it this year."
While the Big Apple is known for putting players in the blinding spotlight, Nishikori operates with far more freedom here than in his home nation of Japan. There he's a national icon, drawing crowds wherever he goes.
"[New York] is much more easier, nobody recognizes me," Nishikori said. "It's a little bit crazy and not easy to walk around in the city, sometimes I have to hide myself. I've got to wear camouflage."
The hoopla makes sense given he's the most successful Japanese ATP player in history, winning 11 career titles and reaching as high as No. 4.
"It's fun to stay in Japan but I can't stay more than one or two months, it might get crazy," Nishikori said. "Now I live in the States so it's much easier and more relaxed. I can focus on my practices."
Being from Japan has also boosted his appeal in the marketing world. According to *Forbes*, he's earned $34.6 million in the past year, and he often finds himself on those types of earnings lists with the likes of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. His sponsors include Heuer, Wilson Sporting Goods, Nissin Foods, Jaguar, Asahi Group Holdings, Delta Air Lines and Nike.
After the US Open, many players experience a dip in motivation but Nishikori will have the Asian swing to look forward to, which includes an ATP 500 event in Tokyo.
"Grand Slams are very big and of course everybody is focusing on Grand Slams," Nishikori said. "Also I have the Japan Open, my home country. I try to put 100 percent here these two weeks, but hopefully I can stay stronger this year."
