Japan's Nishikori sets sights on tennis' top stage after return from injury

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Asia’s most successful men’s singles star aims to play in 2026 Australian Open

20251128 Nishikori

Kei Nishikori plays in the second round of the Yokohama Keio Challenger tennis tournament in Yokohama, Japan, on Nov. 20. © Kyodo

MASAKO HARA

December 7, 2025 12:30 JST

YOKOHAMA, Japan — Once ranked No. 4 in the world, Japan’s Kei Nishikori started another comeback from injury in front of a thin crowd of just 200 at Keio University’s Hiyoshi Campus in Yokohama on Nov. 18. For Asia’s highest ever ranked tennis player in men’s singles, it was a huge departure from matches at venues such as the U.S. Open’s Arthur Ashe Stadium.