In an attempt to eradicate the pain and prolong his pro tennis career, Kei Nishikori announced on Tuesday, January 25 that he’s having arthroscopic surgery to repair his ailing left hip.
Nishikori has not played in a tennis tournament since his appearance at the BNP Paribas Open last October in Indian Wells, California.
Now, Nishikori faces a recovery period of six months, he said in an announcement on Twitter.
“After trying several different rehab options I have decided [together with my medical team] to have arthroscopic hip surgery this week,” Nishikori tweeted. “I will work as hard as I can and the goal is to be back in about 6 months. Thank you for all your support and look forward to seeing you on the tour again soon.”
The 32-year-old Shimane Prefecture native reached a career-best No. 4 in the men’s singles world rankings in March 2015.
Nishikori, who turned pro in 2007, has won 12 career titles and earned more than ¥2.84 billion JPY ($25 million USD) in prize money during his tennis career. His best performance in a Grand Slam event was a runner-up finish at the 2014 US Open in New York. In reaching the final, Nishikori became the first Asian man to accomplish the feat.
He has also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open (four times), French Open (three times) and Wimbledon (twice).
In the current ATP rankings, Nishikori is No. 46.
During the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, he represented Japan and earned the men’s singles bronze medal. He also played for the Hinomaru at the 2008 Beijing Games in singles and 2012 London Games in singles and doubles.
Author: Ed Odeven
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