Kei
Nishikori is thrilled after confirming his return to the ATP Tour at the
Atlanta Open.
The
33-year-old Japanese player has faced a challenging journey to get back to
professional tournaments. Nishikori underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left
hip in January 2022, and it took him a year and a half to return to the tennis
courts.
The former
world No. 4 revealed that he needed to have his hip bones trimmed, which
necessitated the surgical procedure:
"My
bones have been deformed in hip and elbow, I needed surgery to trim the bones
otherwise I feel pain, so (what happened) was inevitable. I never think about
what I should have done (with these injuries), I know it's an unanswered
question," Nishikori said in an interview with Nikkan Sports.
Good news
has come for the currently world No. 438, who was unranked until earlier this
year but made a triumphant comeback at the Challenger 75 Palmas del Mar,
winning the tournament.
Nishikori
entered the Atlanta Open thanks to his protected ranking, which will be his
first ATP 250 tournament after playing in three challengers to regain his
competitive rhythm. He announced the news through his social media channels.
"Excited to go on Friday to the @ATLOpenTennis! It will be my first @atptour back. Hope to see you there," he tweeted.
Injuries
have been a constant struggle for the Japanese player, who had already
experienced a long hiatus in 2017 due to a serious wrist injury. Regarding his
difficulties with injuries, Nishikori acknowledged last year how the process
was and revealed that he took Roger Federer as an inspiration:
"I
have been very depressed in the last few months. I even thought about retiring.
From July to September, I was in rehabilitation at home. It's three months when
I can't play tennis. I can't even take a racquet. Mentally, it's very
complicated. Of course, I've been on the verge of retirement,"
"When
I saw Roger, I finally thought that I can continue playing tennis over 30 years
of age," claimed Nishikori.
The Atlanta
Open begins on July 24th and includes 10 players ranked within the top 50,
featuring prominent global stars such as Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur,
Alexander Bublik, and Cristopher Eubanks.
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
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
