After competing in the 2024 Australian Open, Sorana Kirstea and Thomas Johansson have gone their separate ways. The Swedish coach announced on Sunday that he has started working with Kei Nishikori, the former ATP No. 4 and Grand Slam finalist.

Thomas JohanssonPhoto: Patrick HAMILTON/AFP/Profimedia

Thomas Johansson, Sorana Kirstea’s former coach, will coach Kei Nishikori

Context

  • In October 2022, Sorana announced a partnership with Thomas Johannsson, the 2002 Australian Open Grand Slam winner when he was an active player.
  • The partnership ended after a disappointing run in Melbourne earlier this year (she was knocked out in the first round after leading 6-0, 3-0).
  • Confirmation of the separation came from Sorana after a successful semi-final of the WTA Dubai 1000 tournament.

Shortly after Sorana’s announcement, Thomas Johannsson posted on his personal Instagram account that he would be coaching Kei Nishikori.

The 34-year-old Japanese is now looking to return to the spotlight after seasons of injury problems (the latest: hip surgery in 2022, followed by a knee injury).

“I am very excited to announce that I will be joining Kei Nishikori and his team for the 2024 season,” Thomas Johannsson wrote on Instagram.

Who is Kei Nishikori?

Kay, 34, has worked with coaches Brad Gilbert, Dante Bottini, Michael Chung and Max Mirny during his career. He has amassed $25,102,112 in prize money in tennis alone, and his highest ATP ranking was #4 (March 2, 2015).

His best Grand Slam result is the 2014 US Open final, when he lost to Marin Cilic. In the semifinals, the Japanese surprised and eliminated Novak Djokovic in four sets (6-4, 1-6, 7-6(4), 6-3).

He has 12 ATP titles to his credit, and at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (2016) he became a bronze medalist, defeating Rafael Nadal in the match for 3-4 place.