By Scoop Malinowski | Thursday, April 2, 2026
Photograph credit score: Jacky Cheong/Wikimedia Commons
The 2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open simply obtained a jolt of star energy.
Former world no. 4 and US Open finalist Kei Nishikori is launching his newest comeback on the ATP Challenger which will probably be contested at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from April 5-12.
The Japanese tennis legend, who lives simply miles away from the IMG Academy, is 36 years now and ranked 417 within the ATP World Tour rankings, however he clearly believes there may be nonetheless some magic left in his formidable arsenal and Wilson Extremely racquet.
Nishikori has gained 451 ATP singles matches and 12 ATP singles titles since turning professional in 2007. He has been in a position to beat all the elite ATP pantheon together with three wins vs. Roger Federer (3-8), two vs Rafael Nadal (2-12) and two vs Novak Djokovic (2-18).
The wear and tear and tear of battling the largest and strongest gamers on the earth for nearly 20 years has understandably taken a toll on the five-foot-ten inch tall, 161 pounder’s physique, as a number of accidents and surgical procedures have stalled his development and efficiency.
This 12 months Nishikori has performed three tournaments (two in France, and one in Canberra, Australia) and compiled an general 3-3 match document. The final match Nishikori performed within the ATP was in early March in Cherbourg ATP Challenger, a 67 46 defeat to 26 12 months previous Clement Tabur, who’s ranked 187 on the earth.
Subsequent week on the Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open at IMG Academy, Kei will return to his roots to attempt to rejuvenate his extraordinary profession. Nishikori started coaching 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 didn’t communicate one phrase of English. 4 years later at age 18, Kei gained his first ATP singles title at Delray Seaside Open as an unknown qualifier ranked 244, defeating James Blake within the last 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. That week Kei surprised the tennis world by profitable three qualifying draw matches after which 5 foremost draw duels (vs. Florian Mayer 6-0, 4-3 ret., Amer Delic 6-7, 6-4, 6-2, Bobby Reynolds 6-2, 6-4, Sam Querrey 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7) within the semis).
Different notable gamers who will probably be within the draw embody 2025 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open champion Emilio Nava (USA), 2025 runner up Liam Draxl of Canada, Mitchell Krueger and Bradenton residents Michael Mmoh and Martin Damm Jr.
2026 Elizabeth Moore Sarasota Open Tickets can be purchased here
