Kei Nishikori wins title at comeback Caribbean Open event after 20 months out, earns Andy Murray congratulations

Updated 19/06/2023 at 07:27 GMT

There was a feel-good story at the Caribbean Open in Puerto Rico, as Kei Nishikori marked his return from injury by taking the title. Nishikori, a former world No. 4, was one of the key protagonists during the 'Big Three' era of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, but has suffered with hip and ankle problems since late 2021. Andy Murray congratulated his long-time rival on his win.

Alcaraz backs Kyrgios to challenge Djokovic at Wimbledon

Kei Nishikori won the title at his comeback Caribbean Open event after 20 months out with injury, and earned congratulations from Andy Murray.

Nishikori has been plagued by a number of fitness issues over the past couple of years, with ankle and hip problems thwarting a career that saw the Japanese reach the 2014 US Open final, and reach a high of world No. 4 back in 2015.

But he appears to be well on the comeback trail, and admitted to surprising himself at the level of his play at the Palmas del Mar Challenger event in Puerto Rico, which saw him beat American Michael Zheng 6-2 7-5 in the final after coming through four preceding rounds.

ATP Rome

Nadal: Murray was the only player close to level of Federer, Djokovic and myself

09/05/2024 at 21:23

"Winning this tournament was more than I expected," Nishikori said, as per The Mainichi.

"I can't believe I could play like that. The way I played the final has made me think I could play on the [ATP] tour."

Murray, like Nishikori, has suffered with serious injury in the latter stages of his career, and the mutual respect between he and the Japanese - who have met 11 times during their storied history - was clear to see from their exchange on Twitter.

"Well done Kei Nishikori winning on your comeback," the Brit said, fresh from winning a title of his own at the Nottingham Open.

Nishikori replied: "Thank you Andy! You are a big inspiration."

Nishikori's last match before his long absence was a defeat to Dan Evans in Indian Wells in October 2021.

Speaking back in May of this year, the Japanese made it clear he is eyeing a long stay back on the tour.

"Realistically, I think I can play for five or six more years at best," he told Wowow Tennis.

"Don't know if my body will hold until 40, but it's also possible.

"Thinking like that, I have no less than five more years, I'm motivated for rehab and doing my best with composure."

- - -

You can watch daily highlights from Wimbledon at 10pm on Eurosport 2 and discovery+ from July 3, as well as the two singles finals live on July 15 and 16.

ATP Rome

Are Nadal, Alcaraz, Djokovic playing Italian Open? When does it start?

06/05/2024 at 13:10

Roland-Garros

French Open hint? Murray training on clay ahead of potential Grand Slam return

29/04/2024 at 20:33

Tennis

Murray steps up rehab with return to court in Wimbledon fitness race

19/04/2024 at 13:06

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me