By Scoop Malinowski
Status: 2014 US Open finalist and winner of 12 ATP singles titles. Currently has no ATP ranked due to injury inactivity.
Ht: 5-10 Wt 165
DOB: December 28, 1989 In: Shimane, Japan
Greatest Sports Moment: Well I’d say US Open 2014 final (vs. Marin Cilic 36 36 36).
Most Painful Moment: Well there’s many. Three surgeries – two elbow and one hip last year. And now it’s the most time (I’ve) taken off, one and half years. I don’t know how it will feel when I come back. It might take a long time. I think that’s the toughest time I’ve had. Many injuries.
Best You Ever Felt On Court: … I would say … I forgot what year. But against Rafa in Toronto or Montreal (Toronto). I beat him in two sets (62 64 in QF, for first win vs. Nadal after losing first seven matches). That was like six or seven years ago. I played very aggressive. I didn’t back off. And everything was going in. And against Rafa you need to have a lot of guts, to go for it. And I did it pretty well. So I think that’s the best match I had. (Kei is 2-12 career vs Nadal, he also won their 2016 Olympic bronze medal match in Rio 62 67 63.)
Why Do You Love Tennis: I love tennis because everybody is different. And you have to use mental physical. You have to be strong everything. So I think that’s why I like. And you have to fight with yourself too. You fight with opponent and yourself.
Strangest Match: … I don’t remember any crazy stories. I don’t know. I can’t think of.
Funniest Player Encountered: I will say… it’s not funny but Monfils. It’s fun to watch. It’s just different than other players. Personally, I like his tennis and his character. He’s a little bit different than other tennis players. (Kei is 4-1 career vs Monfils. He saved three match points vs Monfils in 2016 Olympic QF and five match points vs. Monfils at 2016 Miami Open QF.)
Favorite Sport To Watch Outside Tennis: Soccer.
Favorite Athletes To Watch: I don’t know… I will say Messi. Boring. I’m sorry [smiles].
Embarrassing Tennis Memory: Many times I forgot shoes to bring to the tournaments. And I forget a lot of things. (What did you do to get shoes to play in?) I think my coach went running back to the hotel and come back. Sometimes I forget strings, racquets. My coach run to get all the time [smiles].
Here is the original Biofile with Kei Nishikori done in Delray Beach in 2008 when he was just 18 and two matches from winning his first ATP title vs James Blake.
IMG · Japan · Kei Nishikori · Nissin · Sarasota Open · Uniqlo · US Open · Wilson
