Nishikori Steps Up Comeback With Entry Into Two More Challenger Events

| by Alex Waite

Kei Nishikori has revealed further details about his schedule on the ATP Challenger Tour, with two more competition entries announced.

Nishikori made a remarkable return to professional tennis last week as the former world number four went on to win the Palmas del Mar Challenger event. It was the Japan veteran's first competition entry since October 2021 and he defeated Michael Zheng across two sets in the final.

It was a much-anticipated moment for Nishikori, who has suffered multiple setbacks and postponed several comeback attempts across the past 20 months. However, in an attempt to build on his rediscovered success, the 33-year-old announced on his official Twitter channel that he will be entering two more Challenger events - the Cranbrook Tennis Classic and the Chicago Men’s Challenger.

Kei Nishikori Confirms Long-Awaited Comeback & Outlines Details
Kei Nishikori Confirms Long-Awaited Comeback & Outlines Details

"Hi everyone…back home in Bradenton. Very happy with the result. I feel great. My next tournaments will be Bloomfield CH (July 3) and Chicago CH (July 10). I have also requested WC’s in ATP Atlanta and ATP Washington. Hope to see you guys soon. Thx for all the kind messages."

Nishikori announced on Twitter

After tasting success in the Palmas del Mar Challenger event last time out, Nishikori will be targetting further victories in the US in an attempt to rise back up the ATP Rankings. Following his win last week, the Japanese player climbed up from a previously unranked position up to 492nd in the standings.

For now, it appears that the 33-year-old will focus on maintaining strong performances at the Challenger level before potentially moving on to tour-level events. Nishikori will view the comeback as a monumental personal success after he underwent gruelling hip surgery last year to overcome discomfort.

In 2015, Nishikori reached number four in the ATP official rankings and achieved his personal Grand Slam best at the US Open, when he reached the final but was defeated by Marin Cilic.

History Made: How Nishikori Became First-Ever Unranked Man To Win Challenger Title
History Made: How Nishikori Became First-Ever Unranked Man To Win Challenger Title

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