“Sometimes I Have Doubts on Myself”: Kei Nishikori Opens up on His Injury Nightmares

12-time ATP singles title winner Kei Nishikori opened up on his thoughts regarding effort in an athlete’s life. The Japanese player shared his advice at a tennis clinic for children.

He talks about how there is no substitute for hard work and focus. Additionally, Nishikori stresses on how one must always give all their effort to achieve excellence.

Moreover, he also advised children about their dreams.

Kei Nishikori considers injury as his biggest setback

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 26: Kei Nishikori of Japan celebrates after defeating Wayne Odesnik of the United States to win their men’s singles first-round match on Day Two of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Kei Nishikori has been dogged by injuries in the past couple of years. In 2020, he required season-ending surgery for his elbow. Moreover, his back didn’t fare well either this year, as he bowed out of the San Diego Open in September.

At his tennis clinic for children, Nishikori opened up about how he felt regarding the injury. The 31-year-old considers it his greatest setback because it sidelined him from the tour.

Kei talks about his thoughts mainly on effort at a tennis clinic for children
“Only God knows whether I make efforts (enough) or not, but you need to make efforts to reach the top no matter what you do, you need to put everything you have at some point, I’m aware of that. pic.twitter.com/PRReXIO6Nz

— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 5, 2021

He explained how the time away from the tour even makes him doubt himself, but he finds a way to remain positive. “Sometimes I have doubts on myself, but I play tennis because I love it, it’s fun. That’s why I can work hard every day,” the Japanese player revealed.

For me the biggest setback is injury, I have had to be sidelined for whole the year. Sometimes I have doubt on myself, but I play tennis because I love it, it’s fun,
I’m not forced to play against my will, that’s why I can work hard every day.

— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 5, 2021

ALSO READ: Kei Nishikori and His Wife Mai Yamauchi Share Joyful News

Nishikori resumes practice when he misses tennis

Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a backhand against Cameron Norrie of Great Britain (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Nishikori said that when the bad things surmount, he takes time off from the sport. When he does eventually misses the game, he knows it is time to resume practicing.

There are bad things, but at the same time there are good things, so I can’t stop playing.
When bad things happen to me, I get away from tennis for several days to reset myself. Then I start missing tennis slowly, that’s the time to go back to practice.

— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) December 5, 2021

The Japanese player believes that he has more effort to give to the game, and so do his fans.

DIVE DEEPER: “Definitely One of the Top 5 Players”: Rafael Nadal Sympathises With Injury-Prone Kei Nishikori

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