In tennis heaven Nick Bollettieri was surely watching this match at his fabled academy tonight.
Tennis legend Kei Nishikori first came to America at age 12 to visit and eventually train full time at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Today, almost 25 years later, the 36 year old played a professional match at the historic site exactly where his American tennis journey began.
In the first round of the 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open, Nishikori looked in fine form as he defeated Argentina’s veteran journeyman Nicholas Kicker 63 62 to set up a second round clash with top seed Yibing Wu of China.
Three Japanese journalists flew in from the west coast to cover Nishikori’s latest comeback. The match was competitive but the outcome never seemed in doubt as Nishikori was able to use his exceptional ball control to place his shots in more damaging court locations. Nishikori’s short angles were particularly effective to move Kicker around the court to create openings for his winners.
Kicker, who uses a 12 year old Prince O3 racquet model, may have been the most convenient first round opponent for Nishikori but it will get much more difficult on Thursday with Wu, who is coached by Dante Bottini, previously the longtime coach of Nishikori. Wu and Nishikori have met once before, back in 2018 and Kei won that match in three sets.
After his victory tonight, just his fourth ATP win this year, against three losses, Nishikori stated, “I just play one match at a time and try to enjoy every time on the court and just try to do my best.”
About Wu, Nishikori said, “We played one match before. He’s a great player. It’s gonna be a tough one. We are good friends. I try to have fun and enjoy.”
A couple of prominent ATP players watched the match – Max Mirnyi and Daniel Dutra Da Silva or Brazil. Wu walked by with his team during a changeover but did not watch any points.
Photo of Youth Day sponsor Larry Greenspon and tournament sponsor Elizabeth Moore by Ray Collins.
Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open · Kei Nishikori
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