Kei Nishikori’s motivation and energy | ATP Tour

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The motivation and energy of Kei Nishikori

The Japanese star is considering his return

August 08, 2024

The smile on Kei Nishikori’s face says it all in Montreal. The former No. 4 in the PIF ATP Rankings had just hit a forehand winner against #NextGenATP American Alex Michelsen to seal his place in the second round of the Omnium Banque Nationale presented by Rogers.

Above all, it was a reminder of the Japanese’s best form. At 34, Kei is finding his form to compete in this ATP Masters 1000.

“In the end, yes. But in the first and second sets I struggled to find my game,” Nishikori told ATPTour.com with a smile. “I think it’s because I haven’t played many matches and I’m not confident, especially after losing clearly last week. I didn’t play well last week. That’s why I was worried about playing today.”

“But in the end I played much better, the way I want to play. I have to be happy with my tennis today.”

Nishikori has been at the very top of the circuit, racking up 435 tour-level wins, 12 ATP Tour titles, four Nitto ATP Finals appearances and a Grand Slam final at the 2014 US Open. Playing in just his ninth tournament since October 2021, the Japanese has begun his journey to the top of the locker room.

At his side is Thomas Johansson, the 2002 Australian Open champion who has been on the bench since the start of the season.

“He’s a great guy. He’s doing everything he can to come back. I have to say he’s one of the most talented players, if not the most talented player, I’ve ever worked with because everything is so easy with him,” said Johansson, who has coached the likes of David Goffin, Maria Sakkari and Sorana Cirstea. “He’s a very graceful player, he’s got very light mobility. So it’s a lot of fun, although we’ve had some setbacks in the form of injuries. I think that’s the only thing that’s been holding him back. His tennis is getting better every week, but we have to keep his body in shape.”

Nishikori is enjoying his time on court and with the fans. After his match point against Michelsen, he looked around for his team smiling at the way they closed out the match. “Sometimes I surprise myself,” he joked.

“It was different when I was younger. I feel like I’m enjoying it a bit more because I appreciate where I am now. I can’t compare myself to the top players, but I’m in a good position and I played some good tennis today. That gives me motivation for this summer, I’m always looking forward to playing.”

The world No. 576 said it hasn’t always been easy, especially at the Olympics, where he lost in straight sets to Jack Draper. But he believes confidence will grow as the matches go on.

“I feel like I need a couple more matches, good matches, even if I lose,” Nishikori said. “That will give me confidence every week. I hope to play some good tennis in the next round.”

Since arriving in Montreal, Nishikori has been able to train with top players, including world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev.

“That’s something he needs as well,” Johansson said. “He needs to feel how they play, how they move, how they serve and return. He’s a smart player, he’ll get up to speed.”

“I’ve been practicing a lot with Jannik in Monaco and here as well,” Nishikori said. “That’s helping me because he’s a different player to the other Top 10 players. The Top 10 give me a good rhythm, you have to be ready for every point, they don’t give you anything. I always enjoy it, it’s good for me. I don’t know if it’s good for them, but it helps me get back to my level.”

The positive thing for Nishikori is that he has the weapons to find his best game. Johansson analyzed the Japanese player’s striking qualities.

“For me, his ball striking is crazy. You can tell him in training: ‘do this, do that,’ and he does it exactly on the spot,” Johansson said, snapping his fingers. “That’s a gift. He also sees things clearly on the court. When he plays a match, and we evaluate him afterwards, we both see the same things. He’s aware of what’s happening on the court. That’s his greatest talent.”

Nishikori will try to show all of that this Saturday against Matteo Arnaldi, when he plays in the quarterfinals in Montreal.

“I have to try to enjoy myself, keep the motivation up every week,” Nishikori said. “I can’t expect to play at 100% yet. I have to enjoy every match and hopefully my tennis will be back.”