Kei Nishikori Makes Dramatic Comeback at Australian Open 2025

Kei Nishikori, the 35-year-old Japanese tennis star, made a triumphant return to the Australian Open on January 12, 2025, saving two match points to secure his first victory at the tournament since 2019. Nishikori defeated Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in a thrilling five-set match, 4-6, 6-7 (4-7), 7-5, 6-2, 6-3, at Melbourne Park.

Nishikori, who missed nine consecutive Grand Slam tournaments from September 2021 to May 2024 due to injuries, revealed he nearly quit tennis last year. “I almost came back [and then] I got injured again,” Nishikori said. “I was thinking, if I have maybe another surgery, then I think mentally I’m not able to fight any more.”

The former US Open finalist, who lost to Marin Cilic in the 2014 final, has a remarkable record in five-set matches, now standing at 29-8 at Tour level. His victory over Monteiro marks his ninth five-set win at Melbourne Park, with his only loss in such matches coming against Roger Federer in 2017.

Nishikori’s career has been plagued by injuries, including major hip surgery and an ankle injury, which disrupted his momentum after reaching three major quarter-finals in 2019. A shoulder issue forced him to retire during the French Open second round last year, followed by a first-round exit at Wimbledon.

Despite these setbacks, Nishikori expressed his determination to return to top-level competition. “I wanted to play [again] in a big stadium like today,” he said. “That was my goal a year ago when I was doing rehab. I still think I have the chance to play with these top players.”

Nishikori’s resilience was on full display as he saved two match points in the second set before capitalizing on Monteiro’s injury struggles. “I almost gave up at match point. But I somehow fought through,” Nishikori said. He will next face either American 12th seed Tommy Paul or Australia’s Chris O'Connell.

In other action, Norwegian sixth seed Casper Ruud avoided an early exit by defeating Spain’s Jaume Munar in another five-set battle, 6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1. Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, showcased his determination to advance in the tournament.