Yokohama Challenger: Kei Nishikori Advances to Quarterfinals in Return from Injury
Yokohama, Japan – Kei Nishikori secured a straight-sets victory at the Yokohama Keio Challenger on Thursday, marking his first appearance in an official tournament quarterfinal in approximately eight months. The 35-year-old, currently ranked 158th in the world, defeated Shin 6-4, 6-2.
Nishikori had been sidelined due to injury since a first-round loss at the Cincinnati Open in August. He overcame Taicheng Ichikawa (ranked 793rd) in the first round to reach the second. Against Shin, Nishikori initially gained an early lead with two breaks, but faced a challenge as his opponent recovered both breaks, tying the first set at 4-4. Nishikori ultimately secured a crucial break in the ninth game and closed out the set.
He continued his momentum into the second set, achieving an immediate break and adding two more to secure the win. This marks Nishikori’s first quarterfinal appearance since the Arizona Tennis Classic in March.
in the quarterfinals, Nishikori will face Kaitomo Uchida, who is ranked 902nd and advanced after defeating Ryotaro Taguchi in the second round of qualifying.
