Kei Nishikori, the former world No. 4, is poised for his first ATP tour final since January 2019 after advancing at the Hong Kong Open, held from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. The 35-year-old Japanese player, now ranked 106th, found himself facing off against 19-year-old Chinese player Shang Juncheng, ranked 50th, but the match took an unexpected turn when Shang withdrew mid-way through the first set due to health issues.
The semifinal bout was set against the backdrop of Nishikori's remarkable return to form following years of injury struggles. He had shown promise throughout the tournament, defeating former world No. 10 Denis Shapovalov decisively and executing a stunning comeback victory against third-seed Karen Khachanov, ranked 19th.
During the semifinal, Nishikori started with good momentum, registering aces and holding serve effectively. He was leading 4-3 when Shang unexpectedly approached him with the announcement of his retirement, citing fever and illness. "He had been playing well, so I’m not sure what to say... I hope he recovers by the Australian Open," Nishikori remarked, showing respect for his young opponent's competitive spirit.
Nishikori's path to the final had been impressive. His victory over Shapovalov came after just 58 minutes of play, and he described it as part of his upward momentum for the season. "2024 has been quite good for me; winning the last Challenger of the year was significant," he stated after his initial success. The following round against Khachanov tested Nishikori's resolve as he prevailed 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, declaring it one of his biggest victories of the year, adding, "This win definitely gives me great confidence, and it's the biggest victory I’ve had this year."
The semifinal against British competitor Cameron Norrie was equally thrilling. Both players displayed high-quality tennis, with Nishikori winning the first set 6-3. After dropping the second set 3-6, he rallied decisively, closing the final set with four straight games to win 6-2. "I’m really satisfied with my play, especially in the third set," Nishikori emphasized, reflecting on the hard-fought match and his resilience during tough moments.
With his semifinal effectively secured without playing the full match against Shang, Nishikori now turns his attention to the final, where he will face Alexandre Muller, the 67th-ranked French player. The final, scheduled for January 5, 2025, promises both excitement and high stakes as Nishikori aims to secure his first title since his Brisbane International win six years ago.
Throughout this resurgence, Nishikori has cited the support of his team, including coach Michael Chang, who has positively remarked on his performance. "If he keeps playing like this, he’ll easily be back in the top 50. He should aim for even higher than this," Chang commented, indicating high hopes for Nishikori’s future results.
Having battled through injuries and setbacks, Nishikori's determined return to top-level competition bodes well not only for himself but also for his fans invested in his career. Nishikori is set to participate once again at the Australian Open, marking his first appearance there since 2021.
Despite his lengthy absence from major finals, Nishikori's enthusiasm and potential for this tournament exhibit the spirit of perseverance. His matches at the Hong Kong Open have been both thrilling and inspiring, capturing the hearts of many tennis enthusiasts globally. With the final approaching, all eyes will be on him as he seeks to add another title to his illustrious career.