Nishikori, who is eyeing a comeback after undergoing hip surgery earlier this year, told Japanese television station WOWOW that among youngsters like Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud, it is the nineteen-year-old Spaniard that the Japanese star would like to meet on the court.
Nishikori also said that the Spanish prodigy’s forehand is comparable to that of retired Argentinian tennis player and 2009 US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro.
Alcaraz’s exploits in the past two years have seen him rise from No. 490 at the start of 2020 to a career-best No. 4 in the ATP world rankings. His achievements in that period mirrored that of his elder compatriot Nadal, causing a stir in the tennis world.
Young stars Ruud, Auger-Aliassime and Sinner are not too far behind. 23-year-old Ruud, runner-up to Nadal at Roland Garros last June, rose two spots to climb next to Alcaraz in the rankings at No. 5. The 22-year-old Auger-Aliassime occupies the No. 9 spot while 20-year-old Sinner is currently ranked 12th.
“I’m not surprised he [Novak Djokovic] can still play at that level; his [Rafael Nadal] effort gives me motivation” - Kei Nishikori
Kei Nishikori, who reached as high as No. 4 in the rankings in 2015 and is now placed 366th, spoke extensively about his hip injury and surgery in the interview with WOWOW.
When asked about how the tour has, and has not, changed in his absence, Nishikori touched on Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, mentioning the former’s resilience following injuries and the latter’s talent.
Speaking about Nadal, Nishikori noted the 22-time Grand Slam champ’s achievements despite nursing injuries.
As for Djokovic, Nishikori praised the 21-time Major champion’s “solid playing style” and “talent.”
Nishikori, who last saw action in Indian Wells last October, will play in the Rakuten Japan Open in October.
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