Kei Nishikori outlines his plans to return to tennis following hip surgery

Kei Nishikori is targeted the US Open for his return from injury as he looks to make up for lost time in his career.

The Japanese star has really struggled for fitness in the last few years, first due to a persistent elbow problem and latterly his hip.

He underwent surgery in an attempt to correct the hip complaint last year following Indian Wells in October, and he is now itching to return to both the court and his previous standing.

“If all goes well, I might be able to play the US Open this year,” Nishikori said at an event for his sponsor Uniqlo.

“I’m trying to be ready in time for the Rakuten Japan Open in October if it is held this year. I don’t think I have ten more years in my tennis career, so I want to live each day to the fullest.

“First of all, I want to return to [my] ranking. I still have some goals so that I can return to the top 10, but eventually I will return to that position

As for why that is so important, Nishikori replied: “So that I can fight in the second half of the tournament instead of the current Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic in the first round.

“It is a big feeling that I want to return to that place again.”

Kei Nishikori is a former Grand Slam finalist and world number four.

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