More injury woes for Nishikori
Print Edition
RAFAEL Nadal believes Kei Nishikori’s storming progress into the world’s top 10 could be halted by the Japanese star’s frail physique.
Nishikori had to retire from his Madrid Masters final against the world No. 1 when the back injury which had required treatment throughout the week flared up again on Sunday. He was forced to quit, handing the Spaniard a 2-6, 6-4, 3-0 win. Nishikori had led 6-2, 4-2 at one stage before the 24-year-old’s challenge fell apart. He pulled out of the Rome Masters.
“Kei promised a lot of things, promised a lot a couple years ago, and he’s still very young. He has had a couple of injuries. Whenever you suffer injuries everything is really complicated,” said Nadal.
“I’m sure that he’s going to be within the best. I’m sure if he keeps playing that level he’s going to be a clear candidate to be up there. But to be No. 1 he has to show if he’s capable of playing with high regularity all year and being able to win on all surfaces.”
Nishikori, now world No. 9, also withdrew from Miami Masters semifinal against Novak Djokovic in March with a groin injury. In 2012, he had to skip the French Open with a stomach injury.
Earlier, Maria Sharapova defeated Simona Halep 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 to win her second clay title of the season.
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