Kei Nishikori is one of the finest players of his generation and he is still competing at a very high level at the age of 35.
Ahead of his 19th season on the ATP Tour, Nishikori reached the quarter-finals of the Yokohama Challenger.
He defeated Taisei Ichikawa and Sanhui Shin before falling to Kaichi Uchida in the last eight of the Japanese tournament.
While conducting press duties at the tournament, Nishikori offered his opinion on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Kei Nishikori shares his thoughts on Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner
Nishikori is a huge fan of the best two players in the world and consistently watches both of them in action.
Speaking at the Yokohama Challenger, the Japanese star said: “I basically follow all of the matches of Sinner and Alcaraz.”
The 2014 US Open finalist and former world number four did, however, admit that he prefers Sinner’s style of tennis over Alcaraz’s.
He added: “Especially Sinner’s play is my ideal tennis style, so I watch him as visualization training. Sinner really plays ideal tennis for me.”
Nishikori might still be plying his trade on the ATP Tour, but he is yet to play either of the best two players in the world.
Kei Nishikori confirms plans to play the Australian Open
Nishikori has also confirmed his plans to play the Australian Open in 2026, a tournament he reached the quarter-finals in on four separate occasions.
The Japanese star is currently the world number 155, which means he will need to qualify for the Grand Slam.
Nishikori played the tournament in 2025 under a protected ranking, where he defeated Thiago Monteiro in a five-set classic in the first round.
His tournament was ended at the hands of Tommy Paul, who defeated the Olympic bronze medalist in four sets.
