Top
Kei Nishikori - former US Open finalist
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News

‘I’m still struggling for confidence,’ admits former US Open finalist after he gets first win of 2020


Former US Open finalist Kei Nishikori has admitted he is struggling for confidence after he finally got his 2020 season up and running in Rome.

The former world number four has endured a tough year, first succumbing to a persistent elbow injury and then testing positive for Covid just before the US Open.

He made his comeback at Kitzbuehel last week, but lost in the first round before finally getting a win over Albert Ramos-Vinolas in Rome.

“I was very pleased to be on the court -and get my] first win on the Tour,” Nishikori told reporters after his Italian Masters opener.

“I’m still not feeling 100% tennis-wise but I enjoyed it. Now it’s important to have as many matches as I can, keep winning.

“I need to start getting into a good tempo, good rhythm.

“Today was much better than last week, maybe twice better.

“I think at some moments I still don’t have confidence, but little by little I’m getting better.

“If I can have many more matches before French Open, it will be good.”


By
0

Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.