Kei Nishikori, once ranked 4th in the world, has made a notable comeback in men’s tennis as he rises back to the top of Japanese rankings. As of March 17, 2025, the ATP announces the latest world rankings, where Nishikori elevated his position from 76th to 64th.
This leap in ranking is significant, especially as it surpasses fellow Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka, who has fallen from 65th to 68th. Currently, only two Japanese players are in the top 100 worldwide. The rankings reveal Jannik Sinner (Italy) in the lead, followed by Alexander Zverev (Germany), Carlos Alcaraz (Spain), and Taylor Fritz (USA). Novak Djokovic (Serbia) also increased his rank to 5th, whereas Casper Ruud (Norway) slipped to 6th. Additionally, Jack Draper from the UK climbed seven places to 7th after winning the BNP Paribas Open on March 16, 2025.
In mid-March, Nishikori expressed that he feels he is only at 80% of his potential following his performance at the ATP Challenger Tournament, the Arizona Tennis Classic. "I'm not yet 80% complete with my tennis," he said after his first match in the U.S. Nishikori’s participation in this tournament marks his first, which he noted is vital for rebuilding his competitive edge.
Remarkably, the Arizona Tennis Classic was initiated in 2019 to assist players knocked out early during the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. Nishikori revealed plans to increase his match count to enhance his performance and regain a solid footing in the sport.
During the tournament, he mentioned the importance of waiting for that ‘click’ in his gameplay, a moment of realization that he can play well again. In the second round, he faced Kazakhstan's Mikhail Kukushkin, a familiar opponent, having won all 10 previous encounters against him. The match concluded with Kukushkin retiring due to health issues; however, Nishikori enjoyed a positive feeling during their exchanges, saying, "a good sensation came suddenly while hitting the ball".
Advancing to the third round, he outmatched Flavio Cobolli (Italy) in a tense match that finished with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. Nishikori maintained control throughout despite it being a close contest with a younger and ranked opponent, asserting that utilizing slice shots would help him compete more effectively.
Interestingly, Nishikori has incorporated more slice shots into his game, a technique he emphasized during a seminar for junior players in Japan. He noted, "Slice is vital. Players like Grigor Dimitrov, who is 33, and still in the top 10, owe a lot of their success to slice shots". This newfound strategy serves not just to help junior players but also as a personal challenge for himself.
He acknowledged that while he wants to employ more slices, his habit of relying on his backhand has hindered him. The windy conditions during his third-round match prompted him to consider using slice shots more frequently.
With the rising player talent in the circuit, such as 20-year-old Aoi Ito, currently ranked 106th and noted for her effective forehand slice shot, Nishikori has drawn inspiration. Nishikori expressed interest in an 18-year-old rising star, João Fonseca, recently winning the ATP title who he feels adds excitement to the competition.
Nishikori struggled against Fonseca, who defeated him with a score of 6-3, 6-3 in Arizona. He articulated how he felt the pace of Fonseca’s game was quick from the outset—“if he gave Fonseca an easy ball, he would hit it”. His coach, Thomas Johansson, divulged they strategized on increasing slice usage before the match but found it challenging due to Fonseca's aggressive play style.
Reflecting on this matchup, Nishikori noted, "the speed of play was something I couldn't keep up with," as he faced deeper and sharper shots that challenged his ability to react in time.
Moreover, his recent performance has proved significant for his rank; Nishikori saw a restoration in his confidence as he engaged with the new era of tennis ambition and speed. He is eager to continue improving, aiming to harness these experiences in future competitions.
Nishikori’s journey back to form has been closely watched, as he strives to integrate modern techniques within his seasoned approach to tennis, reflecting both the rich history of Japanese tennis and his personal quest for excellence.
He is not just battling with opponents on the court; Nishikori is also vying with changing game dynamics and a new generation of players eager to make their mark. This competitive environment offers challenges and incentives for him to elevate his play further, expand his repertoire, and potentially reclaim a more prominent position in the rankings.
Ultimately, Kei Nishikori continues to pursue his passion with tenacity and strategy, driven by the allure of competition and his dream of excelling in the world of tennis.
