Kei Nishikori is unlikely to be ready in time for the Australian Open as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury, according to his coach.
Dante Bottini provided an update on Nishikori’s condition during a radio interview with Argentina’s Chancha 1 Radio. The world No.14 hasn’t played on the tour since the Rogers Cup. In August he was forced to end his season after tearing one of his tendons in his right wrist. Although there has been no official comment from Nishikori, Bottini believes that he won’t be ready in time to play best-of-five set matches at the start of 2018.
“To compete we understand that it will be for after the Australian Open.” He explained. “I hope it is before, but I think it will not come. After a month, maybe he can start to hit the ball.”
Bottini, who has worked with Nishikori since the start of 2011, empathized that the focus is currently on nursing the injured wrist. He compared the issue to similar injuries experienced by other players such as Belinda Bencic, Kim Clijsters and Juan Monaco.
“It is a very common lesion, the gauze that covers the tendon is broken and it is out of place, we have to treat it very carefully.” Said Bottini.
As doubts surround Nishikori’s presence at the Australian Open, it has been confirmed that he will play in the inaugural New York Open in February. The ATP 250 event in Long Island will replace the Memphis Open, which Nishikori won four consecutive times (2013-2016).
“Playing in New York has always been exciting for me and to think I could win a fifth title during this ATP Tour week would be amazing,” The 27-year-old commented about the new tournament. “I’ll miss Memphis, but I’m going to love New York.”
The New York Open will take place between February 11-18.
Nishikori ended 2017 with a with a win-loss record of 30-13. His best results were reaching the finals of tournaments in Brisbane and Buenos Aires. It is the first time Nishikori has ended a season without a ATP title since 2011.
