By Scoop Malinowski
The 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open just got a jolt of star power. Former world no. 4 and US Open finalist Kei Nishikori is launching his latest comeback at the ATP Challenger which will be contested at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL from April 5-12.
The Japanese tennis titan who lives just miles away from the IMG Academy is 36 years now and ranked 417 in the ATP World Tour rankings but he clearly believes there is still some magic left in his formidable arsenal and Wilson Ultra racquet.
Nishikori has won 451 ATP singles matches and 12 ATP singles titles since turning pro in 2007. He has been able to beat all of the elite ATP pantheon including three wins vs. Roger Federer (3-8), two vs Rafael Nadal (2-12) and two vs Novak Djokovic (2-18).
The wear and tear of battling the biggest and strongest players in the world for almost two decades has understandably taken a toll on the five-foot-ten inch tall, 161 pounder’s body, as multiple injuries and surgeries have stalled his progression and performance.
This year Nishikori has played three tournaments (two in France, and one in Canberra, Australia) and compiled an overall 3-3 match record. The last match Nishikori played in the ATP was in early March in Cherbourg ATP Challenger, a 67 46 defeat to 26 year old Clement Tabur, who is ranked 187 in the world.
Next week at the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open at IMG Academy, will return to this roots to try to kickstart his extraordinary career. Nishikori began training at IMG Academy in Bradenton at age 14, sponsored by Mr. Morita, the CEO of Sony. When Nishikori first moved to Bradenton from Japan, he did not speak one word of English. Four years later at age 18, Kei won his first ATP singles title at Delray Beach Open as an unknown qualifier ranked 244, defeating James Blake in the final 36 61 64. That week Kei stunned the tennis world by winning three qualifying draw matches and then five main draw duels (vs. Florian Mayer 60 43 ret., Amer Delic 67 64 62, Bobby Reynolds 62 64, Sam Querrey 46 62 76 (7) in the semis).
Other notable players who will be in the draw include 2025 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open champion Emilio Nava, 2025 runner up Liam Draxl, Martin Damm Jr., Mitchell Krueger.
2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open Tickets can be purchased here
ATP Challenger · Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open · Kei Nishikori