Coaching splits get dramatic by the day as Kei Nishikori appoints Sorana Cirstea’s former coach Thomas Johansson to aid his grand comeback

The former World No. 4 will look to make the most out of his new deal with the former World No. 7 as he looks to return to the Tour after two injury troubled seasons.

Coaching splits get dramatic by the day as Kei Nishikori appoints Sorana Cirstea’s former coach Thomas Johansson to aid his grand comeback

Kei Nishikori and Thomas Johansson (images via IMAGO)

Former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori is yet to make his season debut in 2024. The Japanese icon has long been struggling with injuries that have kept him on the sidelines and away from the court.

He picked up a hip injury in January 2022 and had to miss the entire season after undergoing surgery. The 34-year-old planned to return to the Tour in 2023, hoping to play at the 2023 Australian Open. But his injury wasn’t fully healed and as a result, he had to miss out.

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He attempted multiple comebacks throughout the season but had to back out for some reason. Finally, after nearly two years out, he returned to action at the Challenger level in June. He skipped the Wimbledon Championships last year, however. But he returned to the US Open leg of the Tour.

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As things looked good for the former US Open finalist, he suffered another injury. This time, it was to his left knee. As a result, he had to skip events yet again. Out of action since then, he is looking to get back at the top level yet again.

In the pursuit of it, he has made changes to his camp. The Olympic bronze medalist has hired former Swede pro and Australian Open winner Thomas Johansson to his team as his head coach. He announced the news via his X (formerly Twitter) account. 

Hi everyone! Excited to announce that @tompatennis is joining #TeamKei for the 2024 season. We already had some good weeks together in Florida and I am happy he is joining the team.
Tweeted Nishikori.

Thomas Johansson was ranked as high as World No. 7 during his career

The addition made by Nishikori is well though. Johansson being a former professional who played for 15 years on the Tour, could help the Japanese make a good comeback. Nishikori is currently ranked outside the Top-300 and will need a few big wins to break into the Top-100 once again.

Thomas Johansson
Thomas Johansson (Image via IMAGO)

Johansson won the Australian Open in 2002 defeating Marat Safin in the finals. He however didn’t reach finals at any other Grand Slam event. He was however instrumental in helping Sweden to its Davis Cup win back in 1998.

As a coach, he has mentored Maria Sakkari, Filip Krajinovic, David Goffin, and lately Sorana Cirstea. Following his split with the Romanian, he has now joined hands with Nishikori. Despite the announcement of his new coach, Nishikori continues to keep his fans in the dark about his comeback date.

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