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Kei Nishikori Ends Trailblazing Career With Japan Open Defeat

Posted : 01 October 2026

Kei Nishikori brought his pioneering tennis career to an emotional close on Thursday, losing 6-4, 6-4 to second seed Frances Tiafoe in the opening round of the Japan Open in Tokyo. The 36-year-old had announced in May that he would retire at the end of the 2026 season.

Nishikori received a warm farewell from a packed Ariake Coliseum crowd as he played his final professional match on home soil. After the defeat, he thanked the fans and said he was proud that he remained competitive and continued fighting until the final point.

The Japanese star leaves the sport as one of the most influential players in Asian men's tennis. He became the first Japanese man to reach the top 10 of the ATP rankings and climbed as high as world No. 4 in 2015.

Nishikori also made history at the 2014 US Open when he became the first Asian man to reach a Grand Slam singles final. He defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals before losing the championship match to Croatia's Marin Cilic.

Over his career, Nishikori won 12 ATP Tour titles, including two Japan Open championships in 2012 and 2014. He also claimed a bronze medal in men's singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

His career was repeatedly interrupted by injuries, particularly during his later years. Despite those setbacks, he continued competing and returned to the Japan Open for one final appearance after receiving a wildcard.

Nishikori's retirement was marked by tributes from leading figures in tennis. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and others praised his resilience, distinctive playing style and contribution to Japanese tennis.

The defeat by Tiafoe therefore marked the end of a professional career that began in 2007 and spanned almost two decades. Nishikori leaves behind a record that includes a Grand Slam final, an Olympic medal, 12 ATP titles and a career-high ranking of fourth in the world.

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