In 2006, Suzuki injured his shoulder at the Australian Open qualifying tournament in a match against Paul Capdeville and sat out most of the season as a result.

He briefly returned to competitive tennis in May in a challenger tournament in South Korea and lost in the quarter finals.

In October 2006, Suzuki played in his first International Series event of the year, the Japan Open Tennis Championships held in Tokyo, having received a wildcard into the main draw.

1078 at the time, won surprise victories over 8th seed Paradorn Srichaphan and World No.

126 Alexander Waske en route to his quarter finals berth against Federer.