Kei Nishikori claims he has shaken off an injury ahead of Wimbledon

Kei Nishikori says he has shaken off an injury ahead of his Wimbledon first round clash against Simone Bolelli.

The world No 5 sustained a calf injury that forced his withdrawal from the Gerry Weber Open semi-final in Halle against Andreas Seppi last week.

Nishikori's participation at Wimbledon appeared in jeopardy, but ahead of his first round match against Bolelli, he has insisted that the injury has passed.

"It's good. I should be fine for Monday," he said.

"I had a good three matches in Halle. I think it's great preparation for here. I'm sure that I'll have a lot of confidence. I'm feeling good on grass."

The Japanese star is regularly feted as an exciting addition to a newer generation that threatens to end the dominance of Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

A runners-up finish in last year's US Open remains Nishikori's best performance at a Grand Slam so far but, having held his own against the world's top players, he is aiming for improvement.

I'm playing Simone Bolelli first. It's going to be tough for sure. We played five sets last year. He's good on grass, but I'm feeling good.

"I think I'm getting close," he said. "I'm not winning a lot of titles yet, but I beat Novak and Roger a couple of times.

"The next goal is to win a Masters or a Grand Slam. I hope I can have a good season and get closer to the top guys.

"I'm playing Simone first. It's going to be tough for sure. We played five sets last year. He's good on grass, but I'm feeling good. I will focus on the first match.

"The first round is never easy. I'm going to have to fight through."