After battling serious hip, ankle and shoulder injuries in just a few years, the 2014 US Open finalist managed to start his 2025 season on time.
Nishikori made a promising start to 2025, finishing second at the ATP 250 tournament in Hong Kong. The former world number 4 continued to perform regularly over the next few months before suffering a back injury and withdrawing from the French Open.
After missing the French Open and Wimbledon, Nishikori attempted to return to the Cincinnati Masters in early August. The Japanese was stopped in the first round by Ugo Carabelli – but that wasn’t the worst part – when he realized his back wasn’t where it needed to be and he had to withdraw from the US Open.
Nishikori, who turned 36 on Monday, returned to action at the Yokohoma Challenger in late November. That was pretty much a test tournament, with the former world number 4 winning two matches before losing in the quarter-finals.
Nishikori: I seriously considered retiring after Cincinnati
“I thought about retirement for the first time last year. After Cincy, I seriously thought about it this year. I have gone through an injury-comeback cycle numerous times over the past three years and was forced to face the reality that I would have to struggle for another year until I can play tennis again,” the 36-year-old told Japanese media.
“But I decided to continue… Partly because of my pride/self-will. And I always feel that my talent is too good to end like this. Ending his career due to injury is the worst case for any athlete, I don’t want to be done with tennis like this.”
But I decided to continue…partly because of my pride/self-will. And I always feel like my talent is too good to end up like this. Ending his career due to injury is the worst case for any athlete, I don’t want to be done with tennis like this.
— Iwado (@seiadoumogera) December 31, 2025
Nishikori is currently ranked 156 in the world. He starts his season by participating in the qualifying tournament for the Australian Open.
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