Hong Kong Open 2025: Kei Nishikori reaches first tour-level semi-final in four years with Norrie three-set triumph
Match Report
Kei Nishikori continues to roll back the years as he begins the 2025 season with his first tour level semi-final in four years. He hasn't reached one since August 2021 with the Hong Kong Open being his 57th career semi-final.
Nishikori saw off former top 10 star Cameron Norrie as he himself tries for a resurgence of his own. But he was defeated 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 as the 35-year-old sealed the win with some sublime tennis.
He is also well inside the top 100 now as a result of this week's run going up as far as 83rd with 23 spots gained and will go even higher if he reaches the final or wins. This also provides him with opportunities.
No longer will he need the riches of wildcards or qualifying in order to play in tournaments with the former World No.4 having a real chance to head back towards the top 50 and beyond by the time the clay court season rolls around in a few months.
Nishikori was off the tour for years after the last of his many hip injuries where he was forced to have a reconstruction. But he is playing tennis that would point towards him not having been injured at all.
He is now 153-58 (73%) in deciding sets in his career. He produced a shot of the year contender throughout in a shot that looked destined to be in he returned it bending down on his knees as everything turned to gold.
In terms of his next opponent, it will be Juncheng Shang who was poor at the Next Gen Finals but has found form again this week after a good Christmas week in Macau. The other side of the draw saw two big names fall as Lorenzo Musetti and Arthur Fils lost meaning Alexandre Muller v Jaume Munar for a spot in the final.
A big chance could yet await Nishikori in what would be the story of the year already during the first week.
Turning back the clock 🕰️
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 3, 2025
Kei Nishikori defeats Norrie 6-3 3-6 6-2 to reach his FIRST tour-level semi-final in FOUR years 👏@keinishikori #BOCHKTO pic.twitter.com/mG1bueh8jJ
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