Kei Nishikori, currently ranked 64th in men's tennis and a former world No. 4, announced on March 20, 2025, that he would withdraw from the upcoming Miami Open due to a physical condition that left him unable to compete. The announcement sparked disappointment among fans particularly because Nishikori was slated to face fellow Japanese player Yoshihito Nishioka, ranked 68th, in the first round.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Nishikori stated, "Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from today's Miami Open because my body has not fully recovered from last week's matches. I will head home now to prepare for the clay court season." The announcement not only disrupted the highly anticipated match which many were looking forward to but also reflected the continuing struggles Nishikori faces with injuries.
The Miami Open, held in Miami, Florida, runs from March 19 to March 30, 2025, featuring a total prize money of $11,255,360 in the men's singles category. Nishikori has had a remarkable history at this tournament, making twelve past appearances with his best result as runner-up in 2016. However, last year he faced a disappointing first-round exit against Sebastien Ofner from Austria.
Previously, Nishikori participated in the BNP Paribas Open, held earlier in March, where he managed to secure a victory against J. Munar in the first round but fell to U. Humbert in the round of 32. Following the BNP Paribas Open, Nishikori competed in the Arizona Tennis Classic, where he performed commendably, reaching the semi-finals before losing to 18-year-old Brazilian talent Joao Fonseca.
Nishioka, who was set to challenge Nishikori, was granted a spot in the main draw as a lucky loser due to Nishikori’s withdrawal. He ended up facing French player Hugo Gaston in the first round and unfortunately had to retire from the match due to a shoulder injury after trailing 4-6, 1-3.
With the clay court season approaching, Nishikori is scheduled to participate in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship starting on March 31, 2025. Subsequently, he is also entered in the Barcelona Open, where he previously experienced great success, having won the tournament back-to-back in 2014 and 2015. Nishikori is hoping for a strong return as he shifts focus to the clay circuit.
Nishikori's recent challenges serve as a reminder of the difficulties athletes face in maintaining their physical health, particularly after injuries. His determination to continue competing, despite setbacks, reflects his dedication to the sport and his fans. As the tennis world watches with bated breath, it remains to be seen how Nishikori will handle the upcoming clay season and whether he can regain his competitive edge.
