Kei Nishikori is happy with his form as he eyes a return to the world’s top five, but he can’t ignore the monkey on is back.

The Japanese star and Brisbane International second seed hasn’t won a title since the Memphis Open in February 2016, nearly three years ago.

But he is two wins away from snapping that drought at the Brisbane International, where he will play Frenchman Jeremy Chardy on Saturday.

“I think it’s going to come some day soon,” Nishikori, who has 11 titles already to his name, said.

“Last year I had many great results, and maybe I didn’t get a title, but was able to finish top 10. Hopefully I can get the title sometime (soon).”

The tournament’s highest-ranked player at No.9 after the withdrawal of world No.2 Rafael Nadal, Nishikori impressed with a 7-5 7-5 defeat of Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday to book his place in the final four.

Chardy wore down defending champion Nick Kyrgios in the second round and won’t be underestimated by the former world No.4.

“Jeremy is a tough opponent; I think especially on this surface he can be more dangerous,” Nishikori said.

“He has great serve; obviously a very aggressive player with a big forehand. So hopefully I can make as many balls as I can.”

Chardy’s countryman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will contest Saturday night’s semi-final against Russian 22-year-old Daniil Medvedev, who has beaten both Andy Murray and Milos Raonic to reach the final four.

Tsonga missed seventh months last year with a knee injury but looked in terrific form as he edged Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in Friday night’s quarter-final.