In the thrilling world of professional tennis, where young stars constantly emerge, it’s always a special treat to witness seasoned veterans rediscover their top form.
Two fan favorites, Kei Nishikori and Reilly Opelka, did just that, turning back the clock with resurgent performances that culminated in final appearances in Hong Kong and Brisbane, respectively, riding on their incredible performances and a bit of luck to begin the new season with confidence.
35-year-old Kei Nishikori reached a career-high world #4 and played in the US Open final over a decade ago. The Japanese superstar has faced a series of setbacks in recent years, including a major hip surgery that threatened to derail his career, but he refused to give in.
Nishikori Succumbs to Muller on a Mission
Arriving in Hong Kong as a wild card, he produced his signature blend of speed, agility, and accurate shot-making to defeat a resurgent Cameron Norrie and Denis Shapovalov and dug ever so deep to stage a remarkable comeback win over the third-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov to reach the semis, where he benefited from a dose of luck as his opponent Juncheng Shang retired mid-way into the first set.
However, playing in his 27th Tour-level final and aiming to win his 13th ATP title, the veteran started well against Alexandre Muller but eventually capitulated to the Frenchman, who was desperate to win his maiden tour title at age 27.
Despite hitting more than double his opponent’s winners, Nishikori’s undoing was his mammoth 46 unforced errors compared to Muller’s 22. Remarkably, Muller arrived in the finals after winning all his matches from a set-down in Hong Kong, and followed the same route to clinch his first ATP title.
Despite the loss, on Monday, Nishikori will return to the Top 100 in the rankings for the first time since June 2022.
Opelka’s Wrist Fails After Aces Barrage
Reilly Opelka’s journey has been equally compelling. Known for his towering serve and aggressive baseline game, he had been searching for consistency to match his raw power. In Brisbane, everything clicked. His serve was as formidable as ever, but the improvements in his movement and court coverage truly stood out.
He showcased a more mature and patient approach, constructing points with greater intelligence and converting crucial opportunities with conviction. His clinical straight-sets victory over former World #1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals piercingly illustrated this improvement.
His semifinal encounter against rising big-serving star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, who had not lost service throughout the tournament, was poised to go the distance. Still, he managed to navigate the arduous task of breaking the young Frenchman once in the first set and completed the win with the aid of a tiebreaker–at the expense of his wrist, which needed attention during the match.
Unluckily for the American, the wrist eventually gave way in just the fifth game of the final to hand the title to an equally deserving winner, Jiri Lehecka, who had been imperious all week,
Their resurgence adds another layer of excitement to the tennis landscape, and as they continue their campaigns, fans eagerly anticipate what these rejuvenated stars will accomplish next, especially in the upcoming Australian Open.
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
