Madrid: Kei Nishikori has expressed reservations about playing in this week’s Madrid Open as he continues his return from a wrist injury.
The former US Open finalist has endured a troublesome start to the clay this season after a wrist injury sidelined him from the Barcelona Open. Nishikori recently returned back to his base camp in Miami to undergo rehabilitation on his right wrist. Despite the efforts invested by his team, the issue continues to hinder his comeback plans.
“It’s getting better. I would say I’m not hundred percent yet. But, yeah, I’m happy to be back here. I have two more days. We’ll see how I recover.” A weary Nishikori told the media in Madrid.
“I don’t want to risk it too much this week. I will see how it goes first couple rounds.”
Nishikori hasn’t played a match on the tour since his quarterfinal loss to Fabio Fognini at the Miami Open in March. Whilst his participation in the Madrid Masters appears a bit dubious, the Japanese player hopes to shine once again at the Caja Magica.
“Hopefully I do well here.” He said. “I always play good in this tournament. (There’s a) little bit altitude, too. Little bit easier to hit and penetrate with my groundstrokes.”
A former runner-up in Madrid, Nishikori has enjoyed numerous success at the event. Settling for second best against Rafael Nadal in 2014, Nishikori reached the semi-final stage in 2015 and 2016. Out of the 19 matches he has played in Madrid, the 27-year-old has won 14 of them.
“I love this tournament. This is one of the beautiful city, too. I love Spain. I always love to come here.” He stated.
“Everything is beautiful, the courts, locker room, food. Everything is good. So I love being here.”
Seeded sixth this year, Nishikori is scheduled to play either Albert Ramos-Vinolas or Diego Schwartzman in the second round. The world No.8 has a total of 1200 points to defend during the clay period, the seventh highest on the men’s tour.
