Kei Nishikori opens on decision to undergo surgery, gives update on his recovery

Former world No. 4 Kie Nishikori has confirmed that his recovery from a hip surgery is going well as he wishes he is happy to be living pain-free now.

After two months of constant pain, Nishikori decided to undergo a hip surgery in January.

Nishikori revealed his condition was “within an inch of an Andy Murray-like condition.”

“I’m recovering well. Still can’t move side to side enough as to practice points, but good enough to hit with junior players.
Had been trying many things until I decided to have surgery,” Nishikori told webSportiva.

“It was unclear how my hip was damaged unless incised to check, I was greatly worrying about that in this January and February. After suffering pain for two months, I couldn’t hold it anymore (and finally had surgery)

“It was found out to be within an inch of Murray-like condition (Murray-like means hip replacement arthroplasty is required). Looking back, it was nice to have surgery. Wish I had had it two months earlier, but it can’t be helped.”

Nishikori admires Murray

Murray underwent two major hip surgeries in recent years but is still active and doing his best to be competiive on the tour.

Nishikori, 32, revealed what his reaction after Murray announced the 2019 Australian Open would be his last tournament.

Murray later changed his mind and continued his career.

“Murray will not retire. He really loves tennis. It’s not easy to decide (to retire). I’m sure he is not gonna retire,” Nishikori said.

Just like Murray, Nishikori is in deep love with tennis.

“In tennis you can’t win only with power, you have to play with tactics in your brain. I’ve learned that from Murray. I admire his coming back after injury. We are similar, we are like addicted (to tennis). I can still feel I’m improving, that’s the most enjoyable part,” Nishikori added.