Japanese tennis star Kei Nishikori firmly believes he still has what it takes to win a Grand Slam, provided he gains enough confidence as he makes a comeback following a series of near-career-ending injuries.

Now 35 years old, just a few years younger than Novak Djokovic, Nishikori is navigating a new era of tennis as he looks forward to his first Australian Open in four years.

Competing against younger players like Australia’s Alex de Minaur and Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Nishikori exclusively told Wide World of Sports that he had to adapt to the ever-evolving game.

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Nishikori was once a rising star in the tennis world, earning the ATP Newcomer of the Year award in 2008.

During the era of the Big Four in men’s tennis, he was widely praised for his speed and agility.

However, with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray all retiring, Nishikori revealed that he has had to adjust his game as younger, faster players continue to break through.

“I have to adjust especially with Sinner, Alcaraz and de Minaur, who are very talented players and very fast,” the Uniqlo global brand ambassador said.

“They play powerful and I have to adjust because if you play passive and (with) defence then you can get destroyed.

“They play differently and I need to get more used to it… you have to change to play (them).”

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Looking back on his career, the former world No.4 and US Open finalist admitted that it’s tough to say whether he would have won a Grand Slam if the Big Four hadn’t dominated over the past decade.

“It’s tough to say, but they (raised) our level. Novak, Rafa, Roger and Andy, we played lots of matches and I learned a lot of things from them,” he said.

“I mean it may be different if they (were) not here but it’s amazing how Novak is still playing at that level and it’s great for players like me.”

Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam men’s titles, is the last member of the Big Four era who is playing at this year’s Australian Open.

Despite his age, Nishikori believes Novak can definitely win his 11th Australian Open.

“I am pretty sure, it’s always tough to beat (Sinner and Alcaraz) but I think Novak can,” he said.

“He has great experience, great mental (strength) and he has a chance.”

Back and ready

Nishikori has had a great start to his season, after reaching the final of the Hong Kong Open and securing a spot in the top 100 for the first time in three years.

“I’m feeling pretty good, physically tennis-wise,” Nishikori said.

“I am playing better and I had a good week in Hong Kong (and played) some great matches (leading into) the Australian Open.”

The 35-year-old has suffered many injuries during his career, including major hip surgery, which sidelined him for the 2022 season.

He slowly started making a comeback in 2023 but was forced to withdraw from the Canadian Open that year.

Despite the setbacks, Nishikori said he was excited about making his long-awaited return to Melbourne Park, since his 2021 first-round exit.

His best result in Melbourne came in 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2019, when he reached the quarterfinals.

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Nishikori smiled when he started thinking about the prospect of winning a major at the back end of his career.

“Hopefully, maybe after I gain more confidence and keep (going) over these couple of months then maybe I will start thinking,” he said.

“It’s difficult because (I) kind of lost tennis and motivation and (lost) my confidence. I lost everything.

“I’m getting back and (if) I keep (going) like this then I can start thinking a little higher (with) goals.”

Nishikori expressed his excitement about being back in Melbourne and working as a brand ambassador for Uniqlo, which he has done for more than a decade.

“I have been with Uniqlo for a very long time and they are a fashion brand but also do sports (clothing) so it’s more than perfect. It’s really good for me, and a good combination.”

Watch the Australian Open live & free on the 9Network & 9Now. Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match ad-free, live & on demand with centre court in 4K.