Google News Kei Nishikori 'OK' with Australian Open mandating players to be vaccinated
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3195
Kei Nishikori revealed he is experiencing some problems with his back but he was happy that ha managed to survive his opener at the Indian Wells Masters. Nishikori, a former world No. 4, recovered from a set down to beat Joao Sousa 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-2 and reach the Indian Wells second round.
"Finally I started feeling better with my back only yesterday, could hardly have practice before that, so had a hard time feeling balls or making proper shot selection at the beginning of the match. Started finding my rhythm slowly towards the third set," Nishikori said, per Seiadumogera/Twitter.
Nishikori suggested that the conditions in Indian Wells are a bit challenging to him. "Surface is fast in many tournaments these days while slow here (like every other year), that makes it difficult to hit winners. Hope the more I get used to the condition, the better I feel," Nishikori insisted.
"I ordered a new racquet during the match, but it took one and half hour for the delivery though usually it takes just 30 min. I was playing with a racquet strung with the same tension as the ordered one, but it was the last one, so I was waiting for the new one to arrive."
Nishikori took the jab
Players who aren't vaccinated likely won't be allowed to compete at the Australian Open but Nishikori won't have those problems.
"We have to follow the rule and I've already got vaccinated, but I think vaccination doesn't always have to be the case. You can feel sick or even get into danger due to a vaccine, so we should be careful," Nishikori explained.
"We tennis players are traveling around the world, so it would be better for us to get a vaccine, but there are some risks, I heard what happened to Chardy. It should be left to individual decision."