Kei Nishikori is in the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Miami (from 8pm at LIVETICKER). Juan Martin del Potro is probably the toughest opponent since Nishikori’s comeback from his protracted wrist injury.
“About half a year ago, Nishikori couldn’t think of tennis. In the training for the ATP Masters of Cincinnati the Japanese injured his wrist badly, only a specialist from Belgium made the continuation of his career possible.
Nishikori chose the unusual way to return to the tour in February via two Challenger tournaments, especially as he still ranks in the Top 40 in the ranking. This would automatically qualify him for the main field at every ATP tournament.
I played four days in a row and it was good that I had those matches,” said Nishikori after his triumph in Texas.
After a cold that caused him to miss the Masters of Indian Wells, Nishikori will play his first ATP-1000 tournament since Montreal in the summer of 2017. In the second round of Miami, the number 26 in the seed list beat Australian John Millman in three sets in a tight match, but feels fit for the challenges ahead:
Now Del Potro is probably the strongest opponent since Nishikori’s return. The Argentinian won his first Masters last week in Indian Wells, leading the head-to-head 5-2. However, Nishikori won their last duel in Washington last August in two sets.
“This could be a really difficult match for me. Kei plays well, he feels close to 100 percent again and is painless in the wrist,” said Del Potro, who himself had to fight with his left wrist for years.
“He’s a dangerous man on the road. If he gets a good day, he can beat anybody. I have to improve,” Del Potro is warned.