Nishikori: "Last year, I thought I'd never be able to play again".

Kei Nishikori defeated Thiago Monteiro in five sets on Sunday.

The match was not going well for him, however, as he had to save two match points and was trailing two sets to nil.

The Japanese managed to find a solution against the Brazilian, winning 4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3.

Like this match, Nishikori refuses to give up, having suffered numerous injuries in recent years.

He told a press conference: "Last year, I thought I'd never be able to play again.

Recovering from shoulder and knee injuries, which were followed by setbacks, was very difficult.

I thought that if I had to have another operation, I wouldn't be able to continue fighting.

My main aim was to play important matches on big stages again, and today I still believe I can compete with top players.

I still love tennis and I'm confident in my abilities."

With this five-set victory, Nishikori is the second-best player in five sets, with a record of 29-8.

He explains: "When I get to this situation, I try not to think beyond the next point.

Winning so many matches in five sets gives me great confidence.

I think my opponents also know that I excel at competing under this pressure."