‘I Couldn’t Hold It Anymore’ – Kei Nishikori Opens Up About Dealing With Pain Before Heading Into Surgery

Kei Nishikori, the Japanese tennis ace, became the second male Japanese player to hold a ranking in the top 5 of ATP and the first to do so in the Open Era. He claimed the ranking of world no.4 in the year 2015 after fighting for the title at the US Open in 2014. Further, his US Open run also made him the first Asian male to reach a Grand Slam Final.

However, Kei’s potential never fully surfaced and his tennis career took several pauses because of recurring injuries. In fact, the reason behind his absence from this year’s tour is also an injury.

Kei Nishikori Speaks About His Current Condition

Kei walked out of this year’s Australian Open owing to his hip injury. After which he underwent surgery for the same and currently is in rehab. The Japanese star recently attended a practice session with junior players.

READ MORE: Kei Nishikori 2021: Net Worth, Salary and Endorsements

He said, “I’m recovering well. Still can’t move side to side enough as to practice points, but good enough to hit with junior players. Had been trying many things until I decided to have surgery.”

Kei on his recovery and decision to have surgery
“I’m recovering well. Still can’t move side to side enough as to practice points, but good enough to hit with junior players.
Had been trying many things until I decided to have surgery. (photo via Kimiko Date instagram) pic.twitter.com/A8zeOJTMri

— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) April 26, 2022

Further, he spoke about how the surgery was the only way out for him. He admitted, “I was greatly worrying about that in this January and February. After suffering pain for two months, I couldn’t hold it anymore (and finally had surgery).”

Nishikori’s Injuries Over the Years

In 2008, Kei Nishikori received the ATP newcomer of the year award but couldn’t enjoy his peak form because of an elbow injury in 2009. However, he built himself again and reached the highest ranking of his career in 2015. Though this achievement was also short-lived as his wrist injury made him step out of the circuit in 2017. Following that, he made a brief comeback and walked out in 2019 to seek surgery for his pestering elbow injury.

Aug 6, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Kei Nishikori of Japan hits a backhand against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

The Japanese tennis ace entered the top 50 and was playing some great tennis in 2021. As he made his way up to the fourth round of Roland Garros, quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics, and semifinals of the Washington D.C. However, he again incurred an injury in Indian Wells 2021. Since then he isn’t constant on tours.

Watch this story: Naomi Osaka, Bianca Andreescu Maria Sharapova—players who conquered Serena Williams in grand slams

Do you think Nishikori can find his best form again? Let us know in the comments below!

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