PETE ZIEBRON
Thirty-one year old Kei Nishikori is currently tied in the ATP rankings with Sam Querrey at world #67. The Japanese is 15-13 in 2021 with a 4th round appearance at Roland Garros and quarterfinal mark in Dubai as his best results this year.
Other 31 year-olds ahead of Nishikori in the rankings include: Dan Evans {GRB} at #31, Dusan Lajovic {SRB} at #43, Jan-Lennard Struff {GER} at #47, Aljaz Bedene {SLO} at #56 and Vasek Pospisil {CAN} at #61. Since winning three titles in 2015, Nishikori has managed just two more, the now-defunct Memphis 500 in 2016 and the Brisbane 250 in 2019.
Despite several injuries and Retirements and Walk/Overs throughout his career, Nishikori is 26-7 in five set matches, including two in each off the first two rounds of Roland Garros this year. Following his 2nd round win over Karen Khachanov, Nishikori elaborated on his success: "I think fifth set I'm really playing good tennis, more than any sets. Even though I'm tired, I think I'm playing better and more free, more aggressive, not being passive. Yeah, I think I do many good things, especially in the last set."
Despite a career high ranking of world #4, a Finalist trophy at the US Open and residing in the ATP Top Ten from September 2014 - August 2017, Nishikori has managed to win just 12 career titles in 26 tournament final appearances, going 0-4 in his Masters 1000 title matches. Nishikori did notch his 100th career win at a major at Wimbledon this year - only 11 active ATP players have more. On to the Tokyo Olympic Games!
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