Nishikori set to launch comeback in Newport Beach

Tokyo: Japan’s Kei Nishikori plans to launch his comeback at the inaugural Challenger Tour event in Newport Beach, California, beginning January 22, the organisers said.

The 28-year-old was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a wrist injury.

Nishikori has been on the sidelines since August when he fell to Gael Monfils at the Rogers Cup in Montreal. He finished 2017 with a 30-13 win-loss record.

“I am very excited and looking forward to getting back on the court in January,” Nishikori said in a statement.

“The Oracle Challenger Series is a perfect event in a great Southern California location to help me get some match play. This will be a great opportunity to face some high-level competition.” Nishikori, currently ranked 22 in the world, also plans to compete at the Challenger event in Dallas, Texas, which begins on January 29.