You can only admire the fighting spirit of Kei Nishikori. The former World No.4 has been ravaged by injury throughout his career. But the former US Open finalist has rolled with the punches, mounting an impressive late-career resurgence at the age of 35.
2025 ATP Tour
ATP 250
US Men’s Clay Court Championships
River Oaks Country Club, Houston, Texas (Outdoor Clay)
Selected Round of 16 Matches- 3rd April
Kei Nishikori (8) vs Christopher Eubanks
He ended 2024 in strong fashion, reaching a first Masters 1000 title in five years at the Canadian Masters (he also picked up a Challenger title around the same time). He then started 2025 in incredible style, winning his 12th ATP Tour title in Hong Kong (in an admittedly low-quality lineup). He reached the 2nd round in Melbourne, beating Monterio in five sets to further bolster his sensational five-set Grand Slam record (only Djokovic has a better record amongst active players). He dipped after that, going 1-3 in his next three tournaments (though he did reach a Challenger semifinal in Phoenix). He looked sound in his Houston opener, taking down Mitchell Kruger in straight sets. Though a hardcourt specialist, Nishikori has enjoyed plenty of success on clay, reaching seven finals and winning two titles. He has reached three French Open quarterfinals and finished runner-up in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. In fact, he finished runner-up in this event all the way back in 2011 (which further testament to his longevity).
Christopher Eubanks will be thrilled with his hard-fought three-set win over Rinky Hikijata. The hard-hitting American has been suffering this season, winning just one tour-level match prior to this week. In fact, he came into this tournament on a four-match losing streak (losing all of those matches in straight sets). And, amazingly, he had never picked up a tour-level clay-court win prior to this match. I just think that players have figured out his rather one-dimensional style (serve big and hit flat forehands). That style certainly doesn’t translate well to clay-court tennis. He needs to mix things up if he aims to progress in this game. Eubanks was a breath of fresh air when he broke through in 2023, reaching the Wimbledon quarters and winning his maiden ATP Tour title in Mallorca. Still, he will be delighted- probably a bit surprised- that he managed to get the job done against the Aussie.
The Verdict: Nishikori to win in three sets at – This will be their first career meeting. Eubanks has always been a confidence player and I think he is likely to raise his level following that Hikijata win. Nishikori may need a little time to adjust to his hard-hitting style. Still, Nishikori is a supreme athlete and his tennis IQ should see him through to a three-set win.
