In a surprising turn of events, World No. 64 tennis star Kei Nishikori has pulled out from the Miami Open, citing fatigue as his official reason. The announcement came mere hours ahead of his highly anticipated first-round match against compatriot Yoshihito Nishioka in the season’s second Masters 1000 event.
The 2016 Miami Open finalist, Nishikori, has decided to step back and recuperate before embarking on the forthcoming clay swing. Fans of the ace player can look forward to his next performance at the ATP 250 event scheduled in Houston.
Nishikori has had a tumultuous journey on the ATP Tour in 2025, with a 7-6 record. After a promising start, reaching the final in Hong Kong, his performance has been waning. Post-Hong Kong, he managed to secure victories in only three matches. Despite the slump, he had noteworthy wins against Denis Shapovalov, Karen Khachanov, Cameron Norrie, and Yuncheng Shang.
In his quest for a fifth ATP title, Nishikori met a crushing defeat at the hands of Alexandre Muller, losing 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. However, he proved his mettle at the Australian Open’s first round, where he made a spectacular comeback against Thiago Monteiro, turning a two-set deficit into a remarkable victory.
However, his journey was cut short in the next round, where he succumbed to Tommy Paul despite winning the opening set. Nishikori managed to secure a single singles victory for Japan against Great Britain in the Davis Cup, but his performance at Dallas and Delray Beach was less than stellar.
The Japanese player’s decision to compete at the Challenger level, following a loss to Ugo Humbert in the Indian Wells second round, seemed to pay off initially. Nishikori made it to the Phoenix semi-final, but another setback awaited him there in the form of a straight-set loss to eventual champion Joao Fonseca.
Deciding to prioritize his health, Nishikori, on his way to Miami, opted for a last-minute withdrawal from the Miami Open. This move, though unexpected, underscores the importance of athletes prioritizing their health and well-being over competitions. It’s a vital lesson for the sports world, where the pressure to perform can often overshadow the need for self-care. As the tennis world awaits Nishikori’s return, the focus is now on his recovery and preparation for the upcoming ATP 250 event in Houston.
