Kei Nishikori, the former world number four from Japan, made headlines with his impressive victory at the 2025 Australian Open held at Melbourne Park, Australia. On January 12, during the men's singles first round, Nishikori faced Brazil's Thiago Monteiro, ranked 106th. This match marked Nishikori's long-awaited return to the Aussie Open after four years, and he delivered a thrilling performance, winning 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, showcasing his determination and skill.
At 35 years old, Nishikori has battled significant injuries to his hips and ankles, which hampered his career progress over recent years. Nevertheless, he entered this match with renewed vigor after securing victory at a Challenger event late last season and finishing as runner-up at the Hong Kong Tennis Open earlier this year, which propelled him back inside the top 100 rankings for the first time since 2021.
The match commenced with Nishikori finding his rhythm early, easily securing the first game with solid serves. Yet, Monteiro quickly responded, utilizing aggressive plays to push Nishikori onto the defensive, eventually breaking his serve and taking the first set 6-4.
Undeterred, Nishikori persisted, demonstrating resilience throughout the second set. Both players battled fiercely, but Monteiro's consistency allowed him to edge out the set, winning the tiebreak 7-4 and sending Nishikori back to the bench two sets down.
It was at this moment, during the third set, when Nishikori faced the possibility of exiting the tournament early. After fighting through various missed opportunities, especially after gaining seven break points, he was finally able to break Monteiro's serve at 5-5, claiming the set 7-5. This pivotal moment revitalized Nishikori, shifting the momentum of the match.
With newfound determination, Nishikori leveled his game, demonstrating exceptional shot placement and power. Monteiro struggled, unable to match Nishikori’s pace as the Japanese star took the fourth set 6-2 after swiftly claiming five consecutive games.
Entering the final set, Nishikori's experience shone through. He confidently held his serve and capitalized on Monteiro's waning stamina. After another intense series of rallies, Nishikori closed out the match with a final set of 6-3, securing his place in the second round and completing the comeback after four hours and six minutes of grueling play.
This victory is particularly special, as it marks the first time Nishikori has progressed past the first round at the Australian Open since 2019, when he reached the fourth round before losing to Spain's Pablo Carreño Busta. Nishikori's career achievements include four previous quarterfinal appearances at this prestigious tournament, which amplifies the significance of his latest success.
Looking forward, Nishikori is scheduled to face either Tommy Paul of the USA, currently seeded 12th, or Australia's Christopher O'Connell, ranked 64th. The anticipation builds as fans hope to witness more unforgettable moments from the former champion, who has once again shown he is capable of competing at the highest levels of tennis.
Nishikori’s story at this year’s Australian Open serves as an inspiring saga of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence, rekindling the hope among his supporters who have been waiting for this triumphant moment since his struggles began. His tenacity and heart not only spotlight his athletic prowess but also his unwavering spirit, making him one of the most beloved figures in tennis.