Google News
Former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori has withdrawn from Vienna and his focus has switched to the Paris Masters. Nishikori, now ranked at No. 49 in the world, signed up for the Vienna qualifying event but he decided to withdraw.
Nishikori, 31, made his lone Vienna appearance in 2018. Back then, Nishikori made the final before losing to Kevin Anderson. Nishikori last played at the Indian Wells Masters, where he lost in the second round. "I was not able to have as great feeling as that in the US Open or the Olympics this week, I'm a bit worried, but I could hardly practice, so...
I played quite well from the Olympics to the US Open. I will try to get back that great feeling as soon as possible to be ready for the European indoor season,," Nishikori said after his Indian Wells exit.
Nishikori praised by Rafael Nadal
Recently, Nadal said Nishikori would be a regular Grand Slam semifinalist and a top-5 player if he was able to stay injury free.
"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 is confident that Nishikori can still return to his old level.
"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."
