Make a 20-time record Rafael Nadal, a three-time Grand Slam champion is convinced that Kei Nishikori can reclaim his greatest form and become one of the finest players on the Tour.
Injuries have slowed Nishikori, 31, in recent years, and he is now attempting to return to his previous level.
Nishikori, the runner-up at the 2014 US Open, is now ranked No. 52 in the world and hasn’t reached an ATP final since January of this year.
“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.”
Nadal on Nishikori “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. pic.twitter.com/weiqQlJMsK
— 井蛙堂 (@seiadoumogera) October 13, 2021
Nadal discusses Kei Nishikori’s ability
“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 added.
“Believing in himself, working on training and dealing with burden imposed on his body as I said, he can definitely improve again.”
Nadal is also suffering with injury concerns, having had to abandon his season early in August due to a foot injury.
Former world No. 1 Rafael Nadal wants to be ready for the start of the new season and have a strong year in 2022.
“Things are going better. He has set his sights on starting in Australia. He will be fine. I’m convinced.
“The idea is to have a great year 2022. He will put his all into it,” Toni Nadal told Voices of Sport.
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