WATCH: Nishikori shows he's on target for a strong return

By Van Sias Nov 20, 2019
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WATCH: Nishikori shows he's on target for a strong return

The world No. 3 is back swinging a racquet after recent elbow surgery.

ByVan Sias

Published Nov 20, 2019

Kei Nishikori is in the midst of his latest comeback. And from the look of things, it appears things are right on target.

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The world No. 13 was forced to shut down his 2019 campaign after an early-round loss at the US Open this year due to an elbow injury that recently required surgery. One of the purest ball-strikers on tour, his video that he posted to Twitter shows how getting in a groove with his groundstrokes just comes naturally.

That fact has helped him maintain a consistent place among the world’s best—when he’s able to take the court. From back issues to wrist problems, Japan’s best-ever male player has been forced out of competition due to his health multiple times. However, he’s been able to effectively bounce back every time: He rallied to reach the ATP Finals last year after starting off the season playing Challengers as he worked to regain his form from a wrist tendon injury.

He started off 2019 by winning the title in Brisbane, which ended a nine-match losing streak in finals. He also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, losing to Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, respectively.

Nishikori is planning to get an early jump on the 2020 season by competing at the Hawaii Open, a combined men’s and women’s exhibition event, right after Christmas. His first official return to action is slated to come at the ATP Cup, a new team event to be held before the Australian Open.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias