Kei Nishikori returned to the top 100 after more than two and a half years by defeating Karen Khachanov at the Hong Kong Open. The former US Open runner-up secured his second consecutive win of the season and advanced to the quarterfinals, climbing to World No. 91 in the live rankings.
The former World No. 4 ended 2024 in excellent form, reaching the semifinals of the Bratislava Open and then claiming the title at the Helsinki Challenger. Nishikori has started the new season strong with victories over top-tier opponents like Denis Shapovalov (6-2, 6-3) and Khachanov (4-6, 6-3, 7-5).
Nishikori secures top-100 spot
The Japanese star has faced numerous injuries in recent years. In 2022, he underwent surgery on his left hip and struggled with ankle and right knee issues in 2023. As a result, Nishikori played only a handful of tournaments in 2024 amidst recovery setbacks.
Read also
Barely a year ago, Nishikori was outside the top 500, but despite playing few events over the past year, he quickly climbed back up the rankings. He finished 2024 ranked World No. 106, and just a couple of wins at the start of the season secured his return to the top 100 after 30 months.
Nishikori celebrated his 35th birthday just days ago, and in an interview with the ATP, he shared that he still has big ambitions on the Tour. "I finished (2024) pretty good. Not the best that I wanted, but still, I finished well, especially winning the Challenger in the last tournament of the year," said Nishikori.
Read also
"That gave me a lot of confidence to win more matches on the Tour. I need to gain even more confidence to win more matches at the top level, and that's what I need to do this week.”
Currently ranked No. 91 in the live rankings, the former World No. 4 is set to face Cameron Norrie in the Hong Kong Open quarterfinals. A win could push him up to World No. 83.
Nishikori is back in top form 👏
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 1, 2025
Kei Nishikori reminds the tennis world of the brilliance he still possesses in his win against world no.19 Khachanov@keinishikori #BOCHKTO pic.twitter.com/5dzJFDaIjV
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
