Kei Nishikori reached the finals of the Hong Kong Open for the first time since 2019, marking his notable return to form.
During the semifinal match held on January 4, 2025, Nishikori faced China’s Shang Juncheng, who unfortunately had to retire from the match due to health issues. This unexpected turn of events allowed the 35-year-old Nishikori to advance to the finals after his opponent called for the match to be stopped at 4-3 in the first set.
Shang, who is just 19 years old, had been praised for his performance earlier but struggled with fever on the day of the match. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “I had fever since last night, and today has been truly tough. It's a miracle I could even stand here,” before reassuring fans he would return next year.
For Nishikori, the victory came as the culmination of his hard-fought campaign during the tournament, where he had previously beaten several challenging opponents, including 2022’s third seed Karen Khachanov (who has been ranked as high as eighth) and former top-10 player Denis Shapovalov. This progression culminated not only his semifinal appearance but also his first finals placement since winning the Brisbane International title back in January 2019.
Nishikori's performance has impressed many, particularly considering the hurdles he has had to overcome, including numerous injuries and major hip surgery. Being awarded a wild card entry for this tournament has helped him regain some of his former prowess. With this latest result, he is set to make his way back to the ATP Tour’s top 100 ranking, marking his return to this milestone for the first time since June 2022.
After the match, Nishikori expressed his sympathy for Shang’s condition and reflected on his own unexpected success, remarking, “I never expected to reach the finals at the first tournament of the year, but I feel good. It’s unfortunate he wasn’t well, but I thought I played quite well.” Nishikori is determined to keep his passion for tennis alive and his motivation high, especially as he prepares for the final showdown.
Looking forward, Nishikori will compete against France's Alexandre Muller, ranked 67th, seeking his 13th ATP tour title, his first since overcoming injuries and long absences from competitive play. With excitement building for the final, Nishikori’s fans are hopeful for victory and the chance to celebrate the long-awaited return of their local hero.
"The motivation and passion for tennis are still there, especially for playing matches. I'm just thrilled to be back on tour after not being able to play much over the past couple of years due to injuries. Playing tomorrow’s finals is truly a gift for me, and I want to give it my all," remarked Nishikori as he looks to cap his comeback with triumph.
This match, taking place at 5:30 p.m. JST on January 6, will set the stage for Nishikori to demonstrate the skills and determination he has worked so hard to regain.