Kei Nishikori, the former world No. 4, has withdrawn from the Stockholm Open, therefore ending his 2021 season. Nishikori withdrew from the Vienna and Paris Masters tournaments, and it was expected that he would do the same in Stockholm.
Nishikori withdrew from Stockholm on Monday due to a back ailment, ending yet another injury-plagued season.
“Unfortunately, I have to pull out.of Stockholm next week. I hurt.my back some weeks ago before San Diego and it has continued to bother me.
It’s been a long year, coming back from an injury and I look forward to the offseason.
“Also, I look forward to having a strong preseason training to make 2022 a great year. Thanks you for all the support,” Nishikori announced.
I just shared a post from Kei’s app.
— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) November 1, 2021
https://t.co/cwqQJdFoRy pic.twitter.com/Ze4wUp1lBV
Rafael Nadal talks about Kei Nishikori
Nadal, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, has stated that if Nishikori is healthy, he will be a regular Grand Slam semi finalist and a top-5 player.
“Kei is obviously a top player having been playing for a long time on the Tour.
“Unfortunately he has been hindered by repeated injuries. Without these injuries he can be definitely one of top five players and make semis at Slams regularly,” Nadal told Number Web.
“Injury proneness kind of depends on luck, I think it applies to Kei.
“He is really professional, I’m sure he is working on everything to prevent injuries.”
Rafael Nadal, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, has stated that if Nishikori is healthy, he will be a regular Grand Slam semifinalist and a top-5 player.
“Playing on the Tour is more demanding for players’ body than you think.
“You have to tactically withdraw from some events at times to deal with physical burden. Given his potential, I’m sure he will be able to be back to the top level, no doubt,” Nadal acknowledged.
“Believing in himself, working on training and dealing with burden imposed on his body as I said, he can definitely improve again.”
Read More: Nishikori could have easily been a top-5 player without injuries: Nadal