Japanese former world No. 4 Kei Nishikori reached the final of the Caribbean Open on Saturday after brushing aside Gustavo Heide of Brazil 6-4, 6-2.
The 33-year-old, making his first competitive appearance since October 2021 following hip surgery and a right ankle injury last year, has now won four matches on his return at the ATP Challenger Tour event in Puerto Rico.
Nishikori led 5-4 before claiming the only break of the first set to seize control of the match. He won four straight games in the second set to seal the win in 1 hour, 26 minutes.
"It even makes me laugh," Nishikori said, sounding surprised by his own success upon his return.
"I could have lost the first set judging on the performance, but I managed to overcome a stubborn opponent. The final will be the last game of the tournament so I'll be out to attack."
Nishikori faces 19-year-old American Michael Zheng in Sunday's showdown.
