By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday January 3, 2025

Kei Nishikori’s Remarkable Comeback: A Journey to the ATP Semifinals is capturing attention as he welcomes the new year of 2025 with a stunning performance. The former World No.4 showcased his skills by reaching his first ATP semifinal since 2021 at the Hong Kong tournament. Nishikori delivered an impressive victory against Cameron Norrie with a scoreline of 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, setting up an exhilarating semifinal clash with the promising 19-year-old Shang Juncheng, also known as Jerry.

Shang Juncheng achieved a remarkable win over Fabian Marozsan, the player who previously upset top-seeded Andrey Rublev in the round of 16. Shang triumphed with a score of 1-6, 6-3, 6-4, highlighting his potential and determination in the tournament.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this good,” declared the 35-year-old Nishikori after defeating his third former Top 10 player this week. “I’m genuinely pleased with my level of play and my ability to win against top-tier competitors. Physically, I feel strong and ready for the challenges ahead.

On to the semi-final pic.twitter.com/8ydxU2wCFo

— Kei Nishikori (@keinishikori) January 3, 2025

“I approached this tournament with no expectations, feeling absolutely no pressure. I recognize the strength of the competition here. I’ve focused on taking one match at a time, and Jerry is indeed a formidable player, so I must remain mentally strong.”

Nishikori is poised to re-enter the Top 100 rankings for the first time since October 2021, reflecting his hard work and determination. After undergoing left hip surgery in 2022, he has faced challenges with his physical health. However, when at his best, he continues to mesmerize fans with his talent, and his motivation remains unwavering.

“Despite facing numerous injuries, I’ve never felt that my career has come to an end,” he expressed last year during Roland-Garros in Paris. “The desire to make a comeback has always driven me forward.”

In the lower half of the tournament, Alexandre Muller achieved a notable victory over fourth-seeded Arthur Fils, setting up a semifinal encounter with Jaume Munar, who stunned second-seeded Lorenzo Musetti. Remarkably, none of the seeded players have advanced to the final four in Hong Kong, indicating the unpredictable nature of this tournament.