Video – Nishikori's Splendid One-Handed Backhand in Cincinnati

Absent from the courts since his second-round match in Geneva against Khachanov (7-5, 2-5, ret.), Nishikori made his return in Cincinnati. For his first-round match, he faced Argentina's Ugo Carabelli.

Known for his incredible two-handed backhand, the Japanese player stood out—but this time with a one-handed shot. Indeed, while trailing 1 set to 0 and 40-15 on his opponent's serve, the 35-year-old player finished a magnificent eight-shot rally with a splendid passing shot. An unusual passing shot, as he executed it with one hand.

If he were to win this match, he would face a tough challenge in the next round against the recent Toronto champion, Ben Shelton.