In January 2025, Japanese tennis legend Kei Nishikori (35) returned to the Australian Open main draw for the first time in four years. With his ranking lowered by a long injury layoff, he entered on a protected ranking (No. 48). It was his 11th appearance at the tournament since his debut in 2009, and his first time in the main draw since 2021.

In the first round, Nishikori fell two sets behind qualifier Thiago Monteiro of Brazil and faced two match points before storming back to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3. The four-hour, six-minute battle sent him to the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time since 2019 and showed that, at 35, he can still compete at this level.

Rising to World No. 4

Nishikori became the first Japanese man to reach a Grand Slam singles final at the 2014 US Open. In March 2015 he climbed to a career-high World No. 4, rewriting the history of Asian men's tennis.

His career highlights include a US Open runner-up finish (2014), 12 ATP Tour singles titles, four Masters 1000 finals, and that career-high ranking of No. 4 (March 2015). At the Australian Open he has reached the quarterfinals four times, in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019. His success reshaped Japanese tennis and made him a role model for those who followed.

The Battle Against Injuries

Behind the achievements, Nishikori's career has also been a fight against injury. Problems with his right wrist, right elbow, and hip forced repeated long absences from the tour.

The situation grew especially difficult after 2019. Following elbow surgery and persistent hip trouble, he cycled through comebacks and setbacks, and between 2021 and 2022 there were stretches when he could barely play at all. Many players would have retired; Nishikori did not. His return to the main draw and his opening win in Melbourne were where that persistence paid off.

What a 35-Year-Old Veteran Brings

In modern tennis, more players compete at the top into their late 30s. Roger Federer played until he was 41, and Rafael Nadal until 38. What a veteran past his physical peak carries is the weapon of experience: reading opponents, managing a match, and mental resilience. His gritty first-round comeback in Melbourne was that experience in action.

Nishikori's example also inspires the next wave. As younger players such as Yoshihito Nishioka and Shintaro Mochizuki rise, the legend's presence serves as a steadying influence, and his fight speaks to anyone facing adversity.

Does your country have athletes fighting to come back from injuries or setbacks? How do sports fans where you live respond to comeback stories like Nishikori's? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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