Kei Nishikori Nearly Returns after 1 Year and 8 Months, to the Joy of International Fans “I Missed You, Kei” with His Nimble Steps

Last Updated on 06/11/2023 by てんしょく飯

Nishikori to return after 1 year and 8 months

　The Palmas del Mar (Caribbean Open) men’s tennis tournament will begin on June 12 in Puerto Rico.

First practice on site. pic.twitter.com/eRUkZUlFTQ

— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) June 10, 2023

Kei Nishikori (UNIQLO), who will return to competition for the first time in about a year and eight months, showed a video of his practice session there. The video shows Kei Nishikori (UNIQLO) practicing in Puerto Rico, making a comfortable hitting sound. I missed you so much, Kei.

He moved nimbly. Nishikori, who had reported his arrival in Puerto Rico, practiced on the local court. His feet seem to be covered with a supporter, but he squeaks and his shoes make a squeaking sound with each step. He kept up with his opponent even when he was shaken up and continued to rally with him. The sound of hitting the ball is also pleasant.

Nishikori, who posted the actual video on Twitter, wrote in English, “First practice at the site. Japanese fans commented, “The sound of Nishikori’s shoes,” “This is it! It’s real!” I can feel the sound of Kei’s steps,” “This is the sound of Nishikori’s shoes,” “It’s a good hitting sound,” “This nimble step is unique to Nishikori,” “There is quite a bit of taping on his left calf,” and “The sound of Kei’s steps,” were among the comments of delight written by Japanese fans.

Excited! On the way to Puerto Rico! @ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/cvv0oU0cBp

— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) June 9, 2023

Also, overseas fans wrote, “We missed you so much, Kei. Glad to have you back,” “Wow, guess who’s back, it’s Kei,” “Kei is back,” “Nishikori’s clean groundstrokes,” and “Kei is ready to rock in Puerto Rico,” were among the comments welcoming his return.

Nishikori had been out of action due to repeated injuries since losing in the second round of singles at the BNP Paribas Open (ATP 1000) in October 2021. At one point, he had been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in preparation for his participation in the Australian Open, a four-major tournament last January, but he was out of action again after undergoing hip surgery. In October of the same year, when she was on her way back, she injured her right ankle, and the timing of her return was uncertain.