Nishikori Hires “Beast” Max Mirnyi for 2020 Coaching Team
<![CDATA[The former doubles No.1 will work alongside Michael Chang in 2020.]]>
After parting ways with longtime coach Dante Bottini in October, 29-year-old World No. 13 Kei Nishikori has quickly moved to add Max Mirnyi to his staff. The former World No.1 doubles star and Top 20 singles player from Belarus will join Michael Chang on the team.“Excited to announce that Max Mirnyi will join the coaching team (with Michael Chang) full time in 2020!” Nishikori wrote on Instagram. “Excited what the future holds.”
Nishikori finished with a 29-14 record in 2019 and earned one title. He underwent right elbow surgery in late October.Bottini had been with Nishikori for nine years.“After nine years of working together literally day in and day out, I have decided it is time for a new voice,” he said at the time of their split.Mirnyi comes with a great deal of high-level experience. He played 98 ATP doubles finals and took home a Gold Medal in mixed doubles at the 2012 London Olympic Games. He owns ten major doubles titles (six in doubles, four in mixed).“I am excited about the opportunity to have a chance and help Kei,” Mirnyi said, according to ATPWorldTour.com. “I have known Kei for a long time from the days of my active playing career. Training and spending a lot of time at the IMG Academy in Bradenton. So, I hope that this progression will be natural for both of us personally and on a professional level.”Nishikori is slated to return at the ATP Cup in January. ]]>
Chris Oddo. Chris Oddo is a freelance sportswriter, podcaster, blogger and social media marker who is a lead contributor to Tennisnow.com. He also writes for USOpen.org, Rolandgarros.com, BNPParibasOpen.com, TennisTV.com, WTAtennis.com and the official US Open program.
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