Share

'I'm back to 100%', says Nishikori after knee setback

Rotterdam - Japan's Kei Nishikori insisted on Sunday he is back to '100 percent' as he returns to action after a right knee injury forced a painful exit at the Australian Open last month.

The 29-year-old is top seed in Rotterdam where he is looking for a second title of 2019 following a season-opening triumph in Brisbane.

World number seven Nishikori, who is no stranger to injury, saw his pursuit of a first Grand Slam title stall when he was forced to quit his Australian Open quarter-final at 6-4, 4-1 down to eventual champion Novak Djokovic in January.

"I am feeling well. It took maybe one week and a little bit to get 100 per cent, but now physically I am going well. I practiced well last week in Florida," said Nishikori on Sunday.

"It's going to be an interesting challenge this week. It's a strong tournament and many good players are playing, so it will be tough. 

"I used to play (this week) in Memphis and last year in New York, but I like indoors and that's why I chose to come here."

The Asian number one starts his Rotterdam campaign against France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert who was runner-up to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Montpellier on Sunday.

Seeded second is last November's Paris Bercy champion Karen Khachanov of Russia with Greek breakthrough star Stefanos Tsitsipas, who beat Roger Federer on his way to the Australian Open semi-finals, taking the third seeding.

Number four seed is Canada's Milos Raonic, a quarter-finalist in Melbourne.

The field also features Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov, with 2015 Rotterdam champion - and three-time major winner - Stan Wawrinka also in the draw.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
54% - 7 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
46% - 6 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE